A boundary element analysis of space charge fields in a corona device

The authors describe a boundary element analysis of space charge fields in a corona device which is used to electrify a photoconductor drum and papers in electrophotographical processes. The space charge fields are governed by the Poisson equation and the equation of current continuity. The combination of the boundary element method with the method of characteristics provides a self-consistent solution to the equations. The charge density on the discharge wire, which controls the current emitted from the wire, is determined from Peek's empirical law in order to obtain the current-voltage characteristics of the corona device. The numerical results are shown to agree well with the experimental results. >