Electrospinning electric field simulation - QuickField simulation example
During electrospinning, a polymer solution is ejected from a spinning syringe and deposited at the target plate placed at some distance from the needle. High voltage is applied between the needle and the plate, which generates the electrostatic forces pulling the ejected polymer flow into the fine stream.
How to find electric field near electrospinning needle tip?
Answer Typical applications Geometry
Given
Task
Solution
Results
Engineering question
Set up an axisymmetric QuickField Electrostatics problem with the needle at high voltage and the deposition plate grounded, modeling the ejected polymer as a Taylor Cone. Then evaluate the equipotential lines and electric field vectors around the cone tip.
electrospinning needle electrodes, microfiber deposition setups, tissue scaffold fabrication systems
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Simulation problem
Problem Type
Axisymmetric problem of electrostatics.
Relative permittivity of air ε = 1;
Relative permittivity of polymer ε = 3.
Deposition plate electric potential = 0.
Needle electric potential = 10 kV.
Simulate the electric field distribution around the needle tip in the electrospinning experiment.
Problem has a rotational symmetry and may be set up as an axisymmetric Electrostatic problem. Two electrodes are formed by the hollow needle (where the high voltage is applied) and a grounded deposition plate. It is assumed that the liquid polymer extruded from the needle forms a conical shape (Taylor Cone) having a half angle of 49.3 degrees.
Equipotential lines and electric field vectors around the tip of the Taylor Cone in the Electrospinning experiment simulation
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