FDC1004EVM: How to relate capacitance to ice thickness measurement

Dear Kristin,

The above equation can it be used to find ice thickness? From my understanding, the sensor is my copper sensor shown in my set up and the GND is the aluminium test sample shown in my set up. I just need to use the above equation to find "d".

Is my understanding correct? 

Hello QiuPing,

You are actually solving for the effective dielectric constant, because the dielectric between the two plates will be a mixture between ice, water, and air. You already know the distance "d" between the two plates because you have placed them a known distance apart.

Please note that I will be out of office for the remainder of the year. I would be happy to help you further in the new year.

Best Regards,

Dear Kristin,

Thank you, but for the dielectric constant I get, can I use this to get exact ice thickness value? If yes, what is the formula?

Or it can only use to estimate when ice formation is happening?

Best regards,

QiuPing

Dear Kristin,

Are you back from your holidays?

I still need your guidance on this.

Best regards,

QiuPing

Hello QiuPing,

The dielectric constant should be proportional to the ice thickness, so you should be able to calculate an exact ice thickness value. Unfortunately I don't have any other formulas other than the one above. You may need to make measurements for multiple ice thicknesses and calculate a best fit line.

Best Regards,