Sensing and Actuating with Fringing Electric Field

Many researchers worldwide have used the fringing electric field (FEF) to develop different devices and technologies to fulfill industrial requirements. In some cases, simple analytical models fulfill development requirements, whereas in other cases, complex numerical models and analytical models are required. This dissertation investigates methodologies, which involve both simple analytical models and complex numerical models to develop new devices and models through sensing and actuating with the fringing electric field.;The parallel plate sensor involves using simple analytical models to acquire data for instrument calibration and dielectric property measurement of uniform granular materials. The FEF sensor is designed through numerical modeling to acquire data for uniform materials and non-uniform materials. A parameter estimation algorithm is also developed to process data for the measurement of multilayer coating thickness and loading (percent of pure iron oxide powder that is mixed with silicone filler) of aircraft. The FEF actuators are designed through numerical modeling to controlling droplets for heat transfer enhancement. Design methodology, optimization methodology, and new models of FEF actuators for heat transfer applications are also presented.;The outcomes of this dissertation will increase our understanding on the further development of FEF actuators for different thermal management requirements of electronics, and on developing different FEF sensors and associated parameter estimation algorithms to fulfill different industrial requirements.