Electric Potential Distribution Research Articles

Electroosmotic peristaltic transport of magnetohydrodynamic Casson nanofluid in a non-uniform wavy porous asymmetric micro-channel

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) have numerous engineering and biomedical applications such as sensors, MHD pumps, magnetic medications, MRI, cancer therapy, astronomy, cosmology, earthquakes, and cardiovascular devices. In view of these applications and current developments, we investigate the magnetohydrodynamic MHD electro-osmotic flow of Casson nanofluid during peristaltic movement in a non-uniform porous asymmetric channel. The effect of thermal radiation, heat source, and Hall current on the Casson fluid peristaltic pumping in a porous medium is taken into consideration. The effect of chemical reactions is also considered. The mass, momentum, energy, and concentration equations were constructed using the proper transformations and dimensionless variables to make them easier for non-Newtonian fluids. A lubricating strategy is used to make the system less complicated. The Boltzmann distribution of electric potential over an electric double layer is studied using the Debye–Huckel approximation. The temperature and concentration equations are addressed using the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), while the exact solution is determined for the velocity field. The study examines the performance of velocity, pressure rise, temperature, concentration, streamlines, Nusselt, and Sherwood numbers for the involved parameters using graphical illustrations and tables. Asymmetric channels exhibit varying behavior, with velocity declining near the left wall and accelerating towards the right wall while enhancing the Casson fluid parameter. The pumping rate boosts in the retrograde region due to the evolution of the permeability parameter value, while it declines in the augment region. The temperature profile optimizes as the value of the heat source parameter gets higher. The concentration profile significantly falls as the chemical reaction parameter rises. The size of the trapped bolus strengthens with a spike in the parameter for the Casson fluid.

Nonlinear forced vibration of the FGM piezoelectric microbeam with flexoelectric effect

In this paper, based on the extended dielectric theory, Euler beams theory and von Karman’s geometric nonlinearity, a nonlinear FGM piezoelectric microbeam model is established with flexoelectric effect. The governing equations, initial conditions and boundary conditions are obtained by applying Hamilton’s principle and then solved by combining the differential quadrature method (DQM) and iteration method. The innovation of this paper is to construct a nonlinear forced vibration model of piezoelectric microbeams. The coupling response between the inverse flexoelectric effect and the inverse piezoelectric effect is investigated. Various effects are examined, including the functional gradient index m and transverse distributed load q affecting the distribution of electric potential. Results indicated that the functional gradient index m, beam thickness h, and span-length ratio L/h have a significant impact on the dimensionless deflection of the FGM microbeam. The influence of the flexoelectric effect on dimensionless deflection increases with the decrease of scale. In addition, transverse load q and the functional gradient index m also have a significant impact on the distribution of electric potential. This paper will provide useful theoretical guidance for the design of micro-sensors and micro-actuators.

Assessment of electric field and potential distribution in contaminated glass insulators via numerical simulation

Assessment of electric field and potential distribution in contaminated glass insulators via numerical simulation

Role of silver nanoparticle in thermal energy process regulated by peristalsis

Electroosmosis regulated model of peristalsis with nanoparticles is significant for heat transfer efficiency regarding optimization of thermal energy process. Such investigation is useful for processes in nano-drug delivery systems, pharmacology, renewable energy, energy saving, drying, biochip fabrication, Sensing and imagining, hyperthermia, cryosurgery, oil mobility improvement, filtration and purification, drilling, cell separation and microelectro-mechanical Systems (MEMS). Therefore, mixed convective peristaltic flow of nanomaterial filling porous medium is addressed. Asymmetric flow configuration is taken. Nanomaterial comprising silver and water is considered. Thermal radiation and dissipation are invoked. Peristaltic pumping is studied under the process of electroosmosis. Electroosmosis process is modeled by Nernst-Planck and Poisson equations. Debye-Huckel assumption is used for electric potential distribution along electron double layer. Velocity slip and convective boundary constraints are considered in this analysis. Dimensionless equations are presented employing lubrication approach. Related problems have been computed numerically. Behaviors of temperature, velocity, pressure gradient and streamlines are examined graphically. Heat transfer coefficient is also studied. Result shows that temperature decreases by volume fraction of nanoparticle. Pressure gradient decays for larger porosity. Temperature reduces for larger radiation. Rate of heat transfer enhances by Grashof number whereas it reduces by volume fraction of nanoparticles.

Analytical solutions for the magneto-fluid–structure interaction dynamics with two degrees of freedom

The study focuses on the interaction between fluid and structure under an external magnetic field. The system consists of two rigid cylinders, with the inner cylinder having either translating vibrating or rotating vibrating freedoms. The solutions describing the coupling characteristics among the multi-physics fields are derived, using the zero- and first-order complex modified Bessel functions. The study analyzes the effects of the magnetic field on flow fields, electrical potential distributions, and cylinder vibration characteristics. It also reveals the physical mechanisms behind the coupled effects among fluid flow, cylinder vibration, and the electrical potential field. The study finds that for initial tangential rotating vibration, the magnetic field can stabilize both the flow field and cylinder vibration. Additionally, an increasing magnetic field can transform the cylinder vibration from underdamping to overdamping. On the other hand, for initial translating vibration, the magnetic field can induce instability in the system, with larger magnetic fields leading to divergent, negatively damped vibration. The critical magnetic fields for both rotating and translating vibrations are determined using phase maps. The study also shows that the combined effects of rotating and translating vibrations lead to asymmetry in the flow field. While translating vibration plays a dominant role in the combined vibration, it nonlinearly and non-monotonously influences the system dynamics.

Scanning glass microelectrode technique for investigating temperature-dependent electrical properties

Abstract Recent progresses in ionic current analyses related to micro- and nano-object sensing, electrochemical sensors, and liquid pollution monitoring have attracted significant attention. Micro- and nanoscale sensors with high spatial resolution and high signal-to-noise ratios are also effective for obtaining detailed understanding of ion transport phenomena. We have developed a glass microelectrode technique for measuring the electrical potential distribution by scanning through liquids. It enables us to directly evaluate electrical properties with a spatial resolution equal to the glass tip diameter, which is less than 1 μm. Herein, we optimize the channel and cell structures for the analysis of temperature-dependent properties, which allows us to measure the temperature dependence of conductivity and viscosity in the range of 303--333 K based on the Stokes--Einstein relation. The proposed method, which directly measures the spatial distribution of electrical potential, is suitable for analyzing conductivity, viscosity, and concentration without preprocessing calibration.

A modeling method for thermal steady-state simulation of the four-layer printed circuit board.

Thermal simulation of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) can help identify potential overheating risks in the circuit. The proposed modeling method combines analytical temperature solutions and numerical approximations. Only Fourier-series analytical solutions related to the prepreg-layer surfaces need to be calculated, rather than the entire structure. Heat transfer through the lateral sides of a PCB is approximately considered as part of the compensated heat flux of the insulating-layer surface boundaries. Heat diffusion within or between metal layers is numerically approximated using the finite volume method. The core layer is treated as "thermally-thick". Temperature-dependent boundary conditions are considered through iterations. A test solver was developed based on the method. The modeling accuracy was validated by comparison with COMSOL Multiphysics for a four-layer structure with a moderate degree of discretization. Additionally, a PCB for generating DC 3.3V was designed, tested, and modeled, with the modeling results confirmed by the thermal images. The electro-thermal analysis of the distribution of electric potential and Joule heating in traces and vias was integrated into the PCB model. The layout maps of the PCB were further adjusted to reduce Joule heating in the output circuit, and the improvement on reducing the IR drop and hotspot temperature was examined.

A nonlinear phase-field model of corrosion with charging kinetics of electric double layer

Abstract A nonlinear phase-field model is developed to simulate corrosion damage. The motion of the electrode-electrolyte interface follows the usual kinetic rate theory for chemical reactions based on the Butler-Volmer equation. The model links the surface polarization variation associated with the charging kinetics of an electric double layer (EDL) to the mesoscale transport. The effects of the EDL are integrated as a boundary condition on the solution potential equation. The boundary condition controls the magnitude of the solution potential at the electrode$-$electrolyte interface. The ion concentration field outside the EDL is obtained by solving the electro$-$diffusion equation and Ohm's law for the solution potential. The model is validated against the classic benchmark pencil electrode test. The framework developed reproduces experimental measurements of both pit kinetics and transient current density response. The model enables more accurate information on corrosion damage, current density, and environmental response in terms of the distribution of electric potential and charged species. The sensitivity analysis for different properties of the EDL is performed to investigate their role in the electrochemical response of the system. Simulation results show that the properties of the EDL significantly influence the transport of ionic species in the electrolyte.

A study of XLPE insulation failure in power cables under electromagnetic stress

Underground cables with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation are integral to medium voltage (MV) power transmission systems, ensuring continuous electricity supply amidst operational challenges and environmental conditions. However, the reliability of these cables can be compromised over time due to aging and installation-related factors, particularly at joints and terminations. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of how various defects, including spherical air voids, pinholes, and irregularities in semiconducting layers, affect electric field and potential distributions within cable end terminations using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Through detailed simulations, the study identifies significant variations in electric field strength caused by these defects, highlighting critical stress concentration areas. In this study, it assumed that the cable and termination have the same cross-section. By analyzing these simulations, the study provides insights into optimizing cable design and installation practices to enhance the reliability and lifespan of underground power transmission systems. This study introduces a novel approach by combining advanced COMSOL Multiphysics simulations with a detailed analysis of defect impacts on electric field distributions, offering new insights into stress concentrations and degradation at cable terminations. Simulation outcomes reveal significant variations in electric field strengths due to air voids and pinholes in cables and terminations: for 2 mm voids, up to 2.45×106 V mm−1 near the conductor and 56.5 V mm−1 at termination. These findings enhance the understanding of XLPE-insulated cable behavior under electromagnetic stress, providing a basis for mitigating failures and improving overall system performance.

Integrated Experimental and Simulation Investigation of Breakdown Voltage Characteristics Across Electrode Configurations in SF6 Circuit Breakers

This study investigates the breakdown voltage characteristics in sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) circuit breakers, employing a novel approach that integrates both experimental investigations and finite element simulations. Utilizing a sphere-sphere electrode configuration, we meticulously measured the relationship between breakdown voltage and electrode gap distances ranging from 1 cm to 4.5 cm. Subsequent simulations, conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics, mirrored the experimental setup to validate the model’s accuracy through a comparison of the breakdown voltage-electrode gap distance curves. The simulation results not only aligned closely with the experimental data but also allowed the extraction of detailed electric field strength, electric potential contours, and electric current flow curves at the breakdown voltage for gap distances extending from 1 to 4.5 cm. Extending the analysis, the study explored the electric field and potential distribution at a constant voltage of 72.5 kV for gap distances between 1 to 10 cm, identifying the maximum electric field strength. A comprehensive comparison of five different electrode configurations (sphere-sphere, sphere-rod, sphere-plane, rod-plane, rod-rod) at 72.5 kV and a gap distance of 1.84 cm underscored the significant influence of electrode geometry on the breakdown process. Moreover, the research contrasts the breakdown voltage in SF6 with that in air, emphasizing SF6’s superior insulating properties. This investigation not only elucidates the intricate dynamics of electrical breakdown in SF6 circuit breakers but also contributes valuable insights into the optimal electrode configurations and the potential for alternative insulating gases, steering future advancements in high-voltage circuit breaker technology.

A novel method to solve analytically the non-linear Poisson equation in the inversion layer of a MOSFET

Abstract Despite the enormous importance that the metal oxide semiconductors (MOS) and the field effect transistors (MOSFETs) have in the actual semiconductor technology, the task of finding the analytical solution of the Poisson equation in the inversion layer was not fully accomplished for more than half a century. It is a well-known fact that due to the non-linear nature of this equation, the attempts to solve it got stuck after the first integration. Nevertheless, experimental and applied researchers found ways to characterize, control, and develop MOSFET devices based on approximate models, and numerical calculations. Here I present a new method to analytically solve the nonlinear Poisson equation, in principle, for any charge distribution in the inversion layer of a MOS, and for the charge density of the original Shockley model, in particular. To this purpose, a physical argument related to the charge and field energies in the transient population-inversion process is introduced and a new nonlinear but solvable second order differential equation is obtained, whose solution also solves the original Poisson equation. The analytical results presented here allow us to derive explicit expressions for the electrical potential distribution and, very importantly, for the charge distribution, the inversion layer width and the effective impurity concentration in the depletion layer. The quantum Hall effect and other physical phenomena were discovered in the inversion layer of a MOS. The Hall effect was explained under the assumption that the charge distribution is a two-dimensional electron gas, we show here however that the 2D limit is reached only at high gate voltages. When applied to MOSFET structures, we obtain new expressions for the drain currents in the inversion and depletion layers, as functions of the impurity concentration and the gate voltage for single and double-gate MOSFETs, and we give an insight for multi-gate MOSFETs.

Water Transport Management in a Bipolar Membrane for CO2 Electrolysis Application

Bipolar membranes (BPMs) offer significant potential for electrochemical technologies, especially in CO2 electrolysis. Their unique ability to create pH gradients provides optimum chemical microenvironments at the cathode and anode for efficient, cheap and sustainable CO2 electrolysis. However, state-of-the-art BPMs are limited in their performance due to phenomena such as membrane degradation and membrane dehydration leading to low ionic conductivity, and hence their complete potential for various electrochemical technologies is yet to be realized. Previous studies have identified water transport as one of the main factors limiting the performance of BPM. A multi-physics model of BPM can serve as a useful tool to gain a comprehensive understanding of different performance limiting factors and thereafter propose solutions to overcome these limitations. The goal of the present study is to provide model based design guidelines for a BPM that facilitates efficient water transport, making it a suitable candidate for integration into a zero-gap CO2 reduction electrolyzer operating at industrial-grade performance levels.We have built a 1-D continuum model of a BPM kept in an aqueous (bi)carbonate electrolyte solution, incorporating physical phenomena such as water-dependent transport of ions and neutral species, field-enhanced homogeneous reactions (water-dissociation and acid-base reactions) along with CO2 phase transfer reaction at the BPM-aqueous electrolyte interfaces. The continuum model employs Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations to resolve local chemical species concentration. The effect of the electric field on the equilibrium dissociation constants of various charge-generating homogenous reactions is incorporated. This becomes important especially at interfaces within the domain where a sharp increase in electric field is observed. Unlike previous modeling studies, we also incorporate mass-conservation equation for water transport to resolve local water concentration inside the BPM. Local water concentration influences the transport of species in the BPM through their water-dependent activity and diffusivity. The electric potential distribution is resolved by incorporating water-dependent local permittivity of the BPM.Our model investigates both the reverse and forward bias operational modes of the BPM. In alignment with the experimental observation, in the reverse bias regime, the model identifies a distinct initial phase where current density is limited, with the majority of the current carried by protons and hydroxide ions at low overpotentials. As the potential increases, there's a rapid increase in current density, indicating a breakdown regime caused by an electric field-enhanced water dissociation reaction at the BPM interface. At even higher potentials, the polarization curve enters a third phase where the current density saturates characterized by water transport limitation. This aspect of the BPM polarization curve is uniquely captured by our model. Conversely, in the forward bias mode, as expected we do not observe any limitations due to mass transport, since water is generated at the bipolar junction. Here, the model forecasts a saturation of CO2 in the electrolyte, leading to gas bubbles forming at the BPM interface. To address the issue of water transport limitation, we conduct various parametric studies focusing on different membrane characteristics, such as individual layer thicknesses and their ion exchange capacities. The outcomes of these analyses provide crucial guidelines for optimizing these parameters and enhancing water management in BPM-based systems.

Phase-Field Modeling of Zinc Dendrite Growth in Aqueous Zinc Batteries

The growth of zinc dendrites poses a major challenge in developing stable aqueous zinc batteries. It is crucial to understand the mechanism underlying the dendrite growth and the influences of various factors on the process of dendrite growth. In this study, a phase field model is constructed to simulate the growth of zinc dendrite and investigate the temporal and spatial distributions of ions and electric potential in both static and flowing electrolytes. The influences of various critical factors, including overpotential, anisotropic strength and electrolyte flow rate, on the morphology evolution of electrodeposit are investigated. Results reveal that the surface morphology evolution is intimately dependent on the competition between ion transport and the electrochemical reaction, and it can be modulated by various parameters. In particular, flowing electrolyte not only enhances the convective ion transport but also suppresses the dendrite bifurcation on the surface, resulting in a uniform distribution of the concentration gradient and a compact deposit. However, nonuniformity induced by the flowing electrolyte from the inlet to outlet may impede the stable cycling of zinc anodes in the flow batteries. Therefore, further design and optimization of the flow field are desired for zinc-based flow batteries. This work provides insights into the growth process of zinc dendrites and the influences of several critical parameters, which could inform the design of stable aqueous zinc batteries. Figure 1

(Invited) Understanding Carrier-Selective Catalyst/Semiconductor Contacts in Water-Splitting Photoelectrodes and Photocatalyst Particles

Heterogeneous electrochemical processes, including photoelectrochemical water splitting to evolve hydrogen and oxygen using electrocatalyst-coated semiconductors, are driven by the accumulation of charge carriers and thus the interfacial electrochemical potential gradients that promote charge transfer. Conventional electrochemical techniques measure/control potentials at the conductive substrate or semiconductor ohmic contact, but are unable to isolate processes and electrochemical potentials at the surface during operation. I will discuss how the nanoelectrode tip of an atomic-force-microscope cantilever can effectively sense the surface electrochemical potential of electrocatalysts coating semiconductor photoelectrodes during operation. This data can be combined with ex-situ electrical measurements, spectroscopy, and materials characterization approaches to provide a comprehensive physical picture of how excited electrons and holes can be effectively separated and catalyst/semiconductor contacts. This new understanding is particularly important for the design of photocatalyst particles where direct electrical measurements of catalyst/semiconductor interface properties is not possible. In these systems we are applying spectroscopic techniques, for example ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Stark-effect spectroscopy to understand electric and electrochemical potential distribution and how nanoscale, adaptive, heterogeneous contacts can be controlled to design higher performance photochemical systems.

A two-dimensional cellular automaton-finite difference (CA-FD) model for lithium dendrite simulation

The non-uniform lithium deposition behavior on the negative electrode during the charging process in lithium metal batteries leads to serious safety hazards in practical applications. The phase field (PF) method is the most commonly used to simulate the evolution of the microscopic morphology of lithium dendrite, which is computationally expensive due to the coupled partial differential equations (PDEs). Compared to PF, cellular automaton (CA) can efficiently process the evolution of solid-liquid interface with the neighbor configuration and interaction rules. In this paper, a two-dimensional cellular automaton-finite difference (CA-FD) model based on the decentered square algorithm (DSCA) is established. In this model, the growth of the moving solid-phase interface is described by CA, and the distribution of concentration and electric potential is solved by FD, therefore achieving a higher computation efficiency. During the modeling process, it has been verified that DSCA is more favorable to simulate the preferential growth of lithium dendrite tips than Neumann neighbors and Moore neighbors. Based on this model, the effect of different operating conditions of the lithium metal battery on the growth of lithium dendrites is investigated. The simulation results indicate that an increase in either the interfacial overpotential or the exchange current density accelerates the growth of lithium dendrites, in addition, more side branches are generated under higher overpotential. Therefore, low-rate charging mode is recommended in lithium metal battery to inhibit the growth of lithium dendrite.

Ignition of Self-Sustained <i>Е</i>×<i>В</i> Discharge; Ion Contribution to Understanding the Process

We determined critical values for the ignition voltage and magnetic induction for a self-sustained plasma discharge in crossed electric and magnetic fields, both at inert gases and in their mixtures. As parameters that enabled to visualize igniting an E×B discharge, we used the ion current and the induction current derivative, and provided the temporal characteristics for the process. We found a double structure of the ion current (discharge current) during the ignition. The working media initial state for the discharge current first jump is a neutral gas, whereas the working media initial state for the second jump is plasma. A peak of ions originated within the near-cathode area is detected on the energy distributions of the ions obtained during the ignition. Also detected is a wide ion energy spectrum related to the discharge gap. We show a various discharge ignition character for Penning pairs, when the gas changes its role (main or admixture) in the mixture. The character is determined by features of forming the electric potential distribution in the near-cathode layer.

Simulation of electric potential distribution and assessment of personal safety risks near grounding devices of urban high-voltage transmission line towers

Simulation of electric potential distribution and assessment of personal safety risks near grounding devices of urban high-voltage transmission line towers

Vibrations in piezothermoelastic micro-/nanobeam with voids utilizing modified couple stress theory

The present study examines the vibrations in micro- and nano-piezothermoelastic beams with voids. In this work, the modified couple stress theory is employed to generate closed-form formulas for deflection, volume fraction, electric potential and temperature distribution. The effects of voids, modified couple stress, beam dimensions and electric potential on energy dissipation (thermoelastic damping) are examined for beams under various boundary conditions. We have established analytical formulas for frequency shift, attenuation and thermoelastic damping. MATLAB software is used to get numerical results and exhibit them visually.

A unified model for mechanical deformations of single stranded DNA-microbeam biosensors considering surface charge effects

A unified energy model for mechanical deformation of the microbeam included by single stranded DNA (ssDNA) adsorption considering the surface charge density on substrate is investigated. First, a free energy model is established to quantify the deflection and axial displacement of the microbeam, the ion concentration in the solution, as well as the electric potential distribution inside and outside the ssDNA film with a uniform surface charge density. Then, the governing equations and corresponding boundary conditions are obtained by minimizing the free energy with three types of variational variables. And, the relationship of the electric potential difference between the two sides of the ssDNA film and the deformation of microcantilever and simply support beam are determined in different solutions (1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 3). Moreover, the numerical solutions of the electric potential distribution inside and outside the ssDNA film are investigated by using the finite difference method and Newton's iteration method. The results suggest that the nonlinear model for electric potential distribution should be used under higher surface charge density. By fitting and comparing the present predictions with Arroyo-Hernandez's experimental data, the effectiveness of the model is verified. The study shows that the surface charge density can modulate the magnitude and direction of ssDNA-microbeam deformation, which also indicates that there exists a critical surface charge density, causing the failure of ssDNA-microbeam detection. These conclusions are helpful for designing the efficient biosensors based on DNA-microbeam.

Analytical solution on magneto-electro-elasto-hygrothermal coupling in rotating functionally graded piezoelectric/piezomagnetic cylinders on Winkler elastic foundation

This study focuses on the multi-field coupling phenomena in a rotating functionally graded piezoelectric/piezomagnetic (FGPEPM) hollow cylinder under magneto-electro-elasto-hygrothermal loading. The cylinder is assumed to be infinitely long and on a Winkler elastic foundation. The hygrothermo parameter, magneto-electro-elastic properties, hygrothermal expansion, and density within the FGPEPM cylinder follow power laws with different gradient indexes along its thickness. Analytical solutions for the distributions of radial displacement, stresses, electric potential, magnetic potential, temperature, and moisture are derived by solving magneto-electro-elasto-hygrothermal coupling differential equations with appropriate boundary conditions. Validation against the existing analytical results for simplified models confirms the effectiveness of the present analytical solution. Numerical analyses further explore the effects of gradient indexes, rotational velocity, and elastic foundation stiffness on the multi-field coupling behavior of the FGPEPM cylinder. The findings provide valuable insights for designing multi-field coupling characteristics for FGPEPM materials.