Simulation of the Influence of DC Electric Field Generators with Space Charges on Electric Field Calibration

To improve the measurement accuracy of direct current (DC) electric field measurement devices in ion flow fields, it is necessary to consider the impact of space charges on the calibration of DC electric field measurements. In this paper, a simulation model of a DC electric field generation apparatus involving space charges is established based on the dilute material transfer principle, and the influence of the applied voltage and gap distance of the apparatus on the calibration results of the DC electric field measurement device is analyzed. Limitations on the electric field calibration of the generation apparatus in the presence of high electric intensities are identified and discussed. The electric field intensity relative error at different gap distances increases as the electric field intensity increases, and an optimal calibration electric field level and an optimal calibration position are identified, both of which increase with an increase in the gap distance.