Image analysis of gas-phase EHD flow field for needle-plane electrode system

Abstract

Velocity distribution of a gas-phase electrohydrodynamical (EHD) flow on a needle-plane electrode system was experimentally analyzed by a particle image velocimetry (PIV). The flow visualization for suitable image analysis was carried out by diffusing insulating oil vapor and using an image intensifier. The Coulomb's force as a typical driving force of ionic wind inception was numerically estimated by current continuity equation and Poisson's equation with a boundary condition of corona discharge current distribution. For analyzing the observed ionic wind, the intensity of ionic wind velocity near the corona discharge electrode was characterized with the estimated Coulomb's force density.