Simulation and experimental study of Taylor cone and jet evolution process parameters in electrohydrodynamics

Abstract

In melt electrospinning, accurate control of jet evolution and Taylor cone process parameters helps to control the final fiber properties. High-speed photography was employed to observe the jet's formation process and the Taylor cone's morphology. A multi-physics model of nonisothermal heat transfer was used to predict the fluid flow direction and velocity change. In addition, we investigated the relationships between the process parameters of the Taylor cone and the diameter of melt electrospun fiber. The results show an excellent linear relationship between the process parameters (cone angle, curvature, and Taylor cone height) and fiber diameter. According to the simulation results, the axial fluid flow keeps the maximum and accelerates continuously until the collector captures it. In addition, with the increase of voltage, the fiber strength is lower, and the crystallinity is improved. This work analyzes diameter and process parameters and offers a fresh perspective on electrostatic-fluid interaction and a method to forecast fiber diameter.