Numerical and analytical models in electrohydrodynamics and microfluidics

在许多工业和研究过程中，电场与流体或气体的流动之间存在相互作用。除此之外，这发生在涉及小颗粒的所有应用中，例如在环境保护中使用的静电除尘器中。通常产生一种称为电晕放电的现象来使颗粒带电，从而可以使用电力来控制颗粒的运动。电晕放电是一个复杂的物理过程，依赖于气体分子的雪崩电离，但它也会导致周围气体的运动，称为二次电流体动力学流动或离子风。这种流动有时可能是有益的，但通常是干扰设备的预期功能的麻烦。在这两种情况下，数值模拟可以帮助更好地理解这些复杂的现象，以及静电器件的设计和优化。

In many industrial and research processes there is an interaction between an electric field and flow of fluids or gases. Among others this happens in all applications involving small particles, for example in electrostatic precipitators used in environmental protection. A phenomenon called the electric corona discharge is typically generated to electrically charge the particles, so that electric forces can be used to control the particle's motion. The electric corona discharge is a complex physical process relying on avalanche ionization of the gas molecules, but it also results in motion of the ambient gas, called the secondary electrohydrodynamic flow, or ionic wind. This flow can be sometimes beneficial, but is often a nuisance disturbing the intended functioning of a device. In both cases numerical simulation can be helpful in garnering better understanding of these complex phenomena, and the design and optimization of electrostatic devices.