Computer simulation of EHD flows in a needle-plane electrode system

Complex investigation of the structure of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flows in a needle-plane electrode system is carried out on the basis of analysis of experimental data and the results of computer simulation. An algorithm of iterative simulation of the volume charge distribution in a fluid is developed. Simulation is carried out using the ANSYS system. The fields of velocities and pressures, as well as electric characteristics of EHD flows, are calculated. Analysis of the results reveals a number of features of EHD flows in the electrode system under investigation. Peculiarities of the band structure are determined, and the characteristic size of the low-pressure zone near the active electrode, as well as the sizes of the acceleration and deceleration zones of the fluid in the electrode gap, is determined.