Analysis of the electric field distribution in a wire-cylinder electrode configuration

The electric field distribution in an air gap between a wire-cylinder electrode configuration, has been studied by implementing Finite Element Analysis. The electrodes were assumed to be surrounded by air at normal conditions, while high dc voltage has been applied across them, with positive polarity at the wire. Numerical analysis on the maximum electric field intensity along the wire-cylinder gap axis, as well as on the potential distribution in the air surrounding the electrodes has been carried out, considering different geometrical characteristics of the electrodes. The applied mesh parameters were optimized, in terms of accuracy and processing power. The maximum field intensity was mainly associated with the wire radius r and the electrode gap length d. The cylindrical electrode radius R had a limited impact on the maximum electric field intensity but, on the other hand, it had a strong effect in the distribution of the electric field lines. Finally, a formula for the estimation of the maximum electric field intensity is proposed.