Multiphysics simulation of corona discharge induced ionic wind

Journal Article · Sat Dec 21 00:00:00 EST 2013 · Journal of Applied Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4843823· OSTI ID:22217785

Cagnoni, Davide ^[1]; Agostini, Francesco; Christen, Thomas ^[1]; Parolini, Nicola ^[2]; Stevanović, Ivica ^[1]; Falco, Carlo de ^[2]

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1. ABB Switzerland Ltd., Corporate Research, CH-5405 Baden-Dättwil (Switzerland)
2. MOX - Dipartimento di Matematica “F. Brioschi,” Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano (Italy)

Ionic wind devices or electrostatic fluid accelerators are becoming of increasing interest as tools for thermal management, in particular for semiconductor devices. In this work, we present a numerical model for predicting the performance of such devices; its main benefit is the ability to accurately predict the amount of charge injected from the corona electrode. Our multiphysics numerical model consists of a highly nonlinear, strongly coupled set of partial differential equations including the Navier-Stokes equations for fluid flow, Poisson's equation for electrostatic potential, charge continuity, and heat transfer equations. To solve this system we employ a staggered solution algorithm that generalizes Gummel's algorithm for charge transport in semiconductors. Predictions of our simulations are verified and validated by comparison with experimental measurements of integral physical quantities, which are shown to closely match.

• OSTI ID: 22217785
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 114, Issue 23; Other Information: (c) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0021-8979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
CHARGE TRANSPORT
CORONA DISCHARGES
HEAT TRANSFER
NAVIER-STOKES EQUATIONS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
PLASMA
PLASMA SIMULATION
POISSON EQUATION
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES