Numerical Simulations of Ionic Wind Induced by Positive DC-Corona Discharges

Abstract

This paper analyzes ionic wind production and propulsive force in various electrode configurations under atmospheric conditions. By considering the aerodynamic forces in addition to previously considered electric ones, new predictions for steady-state forces and ionic wind flow velocity are successfully compared with experimental measurements, providing convincing quantitative evidence of the predictive capabilities of drift-diffusion modeling associated with one-way Coulomb forcing of Navier–Stokes equations for ionic wind generation. Furthermore, various electrode configurations are analyzed, some of them streamlined, reducing wakes downstream collectors on the one hand and providing additional thrust on the other. The quantification of these additional thrusts is analyzed, physically discussed, and explored in various configurations.