Vibrating-wire transducers for electrostatic measurements

This paper describes new kinds of electric fieldmeters having vibrating-wire transducers. The first main characteristic which distinguishes these devices from traditional vibrating sensors is location of sensing electrodes and modulator outside of the transducer casing. The second is the considerably enlarged area of electric field transformation. Due to these features the sensitivity of vibrating-wire fieldmeters is comparable to field mills. Complete enclosure of these meters, in the absence of any rotating parts allows usage for long-term monitoring under adverse environmental conditions. Their comparably high field modulation frequency and exclusion of sensing-elect rode area modulation while in operation permit successful measurement of electric field strength in media where intense conductive and convective currents exist. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.