Electrostatic Loudspeaker Model in Simscape

A Simscape model of a simple electrostatic loudspeaker uses the Variable Gap Capacitor component that was introduced in R2023b.

The structure and performance of the electrostatic loudspeaker has been well described in many references and will not be repeated here. The early work of Walker gave a good description that remains relevant [1], and later described a version with better diurectivity [2]. The more recent work of Mellow gives more recent devellopments and is summarized in a recent book chapter [3]. The Simscape model include here follows the work of Mellow and calculates the electrical behavior an dacoustical radiation from a circular diaphragm that is 14 cm in diameter. That Simscape model is shown in Fig. 1.

References

[1] Peter J.Walker, Wide range electrostatic loudspeakers. WirelessWorld 61(5) pp. 208-211; 61(6) pp 265-269; 61(8) pp 381-384, 1955.

[2] Peter J. Walker, “New Developments in electrostatic loudspeakers,” J. Audio Eng. Soc. 28(11), 1980, pp. 795-9.

[3] Leo Beranek and Tim Mellow, “Electrostatic Loudspeakers,” Ch. 15 in Acoustics: Sound Fields, Transducers and Vibrations, 2nd ed. Academic Press, New York, 2019.