Homogeneous field intensity control during multi-needle electrospinning via finite element analysis and simulation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Electrospinning is a versatile technique for producing nanofibers.
• Multi-needle electrospinning offers potential for high-throughput nanofiber fabrication.
• Achieving uniform nanofiber deposition across multiple needles remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To simulate and optimize the process control of multi-needle electrospinning.
• To investigate the impact of various parameters on electric field homogeneity.
• To enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nanofiber web production.

Main Methods:

• Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to model the electrospinning process.
• Parameters varied include needle length, spacing, plastic casing, and voltage application.
• Electric field intensity and homogeneity were analyzed based on simulation results.

Main Results:

• Simulation demonstrated that needle length, spacing, and voltage application method significantly influence field intensity homogeneity.
• Plastic casing around needles, direct voltage application, and optimized edge needle configurations improve field uniformity.
• Adjustments can decrease edge needle field intensity and enhance overall homogeneity.

Conclusions:

• Process control through parameter manipulation is key to homogeneous multi-needle electrospinning.
• Optimized configurations improve electric field distribution, leading to uniform nanofiber webs.
• The findings support the industrialization potential of needle-type electrospinning technology.