Numerical Study and Experimental Investigation of an Electrohydrodynamic Device for Inertial Sensing

Abstract

We present a multi-physics simulation associated with experimental investigation for an electrohydrodynamic gyroscope based on ion wind corona discharge. The present device consisting of multiple point-ring electrodes generates a synthetic jet flow of ions for inertial sensing applications. Meanwhile the residual charge of jet is neutralized by an external ring electrode to guarantee the ion wind stable while circulating inside the device's channels. The working principle including the generation and then circulation of jet flow within the present device is firstly demonstrated by a numerical simulation and the feasibility and stability of the device are then successfully investigated by experimental work. Results show owing to the ion wind corona discharge based approach associated with new configuration, the present device is robust and consumes low energy.