The two‐dimensional electrostatic modeling capability of the ANSYS finite element program is used in the design of the coax‐to‐parallel plate microwave transformer. Its two‐dimensional axisymmetric capability is used in the design of a laser‐triggered coaxial Blumlein spark gap. Finally, its three‐dimensional magnetic modeling ability is used to model a large dipole magnet (the Chicago cyclotron magnet). The results of the calculations compare well with measurements for two of the above cases.