FEM Modelling of Ultrasound Enhanced Electrospinning (USES)

We present simulation efforts towards trying to understand ultrasound enhanced electrospinning (USES). Compared to traditional electrospinning this method uses ultrasound to produce an acoustic fountain on the free surface of the spinning liquid. This fountain is used as a base for the electrospinning process by applying a high-voltage between a collector plate and the liquid. The simulation predictions for the acoustic fountain height as a function of acoustic power are compared to measured values. Then, the effect of electrostatic deformation of the fountain, when a high-voltage is applied, is studied by simulations as a function of initial fountain height.