Simulation of space charge in unbounded geometries

In corona ion devices the electric field distribution is highly dependent on the form of the electrostatic space-charge distribution. In many instances these devices also have essentially unbounded geometries. A numerical technique is presented based on the combined method of charge simulation and the method of characteristics to evaluate fields in such geometries. The numerical procedure utilizes a nonrigid grid structure which, after convergence to a self-consistent solution, is a map of the field lines and equipotential contours. The numerical procedure is applied to a rod-to-plane geometry, and the simulation results show good agreement with experimental data