Higher-order finite element particle tracing in external electrostatic field

Simulation of movement of a large number of charged particles in external electrostatic field is of great importance for a correct design of separators whose aim is to select them according to the sign of their charge. The paper deals with modeling of their trajectories in a specific arrangement consisting of a profile vessel equipped with two electrodes and several collecting bins. Electric field between the electrodes is determined using a fully adaptive higher-order finite element method. The movement (velocities and trajectories) of the particles affected by electric field, gravity and aerodynamic resistance is modeled by an adaptive Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method with an appropriately varying time step. On the other hand, their charges are rather low, so that it is possible to neglect the Coulomb forces acting among them. The methodology is illustrated by a typical example whose results are discussed.