Numerical study on ionic wind from pin to mesh with hole configuration under DC negative corona discharge

Abstract This study explores the enhancement of ionic wind generation efficiency by incorporating a central hole in the mesh electrode under DC negative corona discharge conditions. Using numerical analysis techniques such as drift-diffusion equations and the Poisson equation, the mechanisms driving ionic wind generation were extensively analyzed. The characteristic Trichel pulses of negative corona discharge were examined by monitoring the variations in current with changes in applied voltage and central hole diameter. Particle image velocimetry experiments validated numerical analysis, showing good agreement between experimental and numerical results. The introduction of a central hole in the mesh electrode significantly reduced pressure drop and increased ionic wind velocity, addressing common problems of decreased momentum and increased frictional loss in mesh electrodes. This modification allows the ionic wind to flow more freely through the mesh electrode, enhancing overall efficiency by mitigating energy losses typically associated with mesh structures. Additionally, the study found that ionic wind velocity increased with rising voltage, showing variations in maximum velocity depending on hole size. The results suggest that optimizing central hole size could enhance the efficiency of ionic wind generation devices in various applications.