The Applied Electrostatics
Research Centre
What is the Applied Electrostatics Research Centre?
The University of Western Ontario’s Applied Electrostatics Research
Centre (AERC) is a highly acclaimed group investigating the use of
electrical forces to propel fine particulate matter along predefined
trajectories. Members of the AERC advance the practical applications
of electrostatic forces for industry and agriculture, and their expertise
is widely solicited by groups that require innovation in this field. The
group is one of the only centres in the world that specializes in applying
electrostatics research to interdisciplinary problems and functions as
a multidisciplinary unit that involves physicists as well as electrical,
chemical, geotechnical, mechanical and materials engineers.
Research
Applying electrostatic forces to crop spraying
AERC faculty work on a variety of projects related to applying electric force phenomena to industrial and
societal problems. This work falls under areas such as electrostatics, electromagnetics, methods for controlling
electrostatic discharges, and gas discharges and electrohydrodynamics. The AERC is renowned for its work on
the applications of electrostatic forces and hazards, securing numerous industry contracts with parties seeking
assistance and advice in this area. Some of this work includes electrophotography, hazard detection and prevention,
crop spraying, air filtration and electrostatic precipitation, separation, painting and coating. Work is also being
undertaken on plastics separation, electromechanics of particles and mineral separation. Recently, the group has
prioritized research in the analytical and experimental studies of electrical charging of particles, modeling of
electrostatic and electromagnetic fields, air pollution control with electrostatic precipitators, chemistry of electroozonation and strengthening clay foundations using dielectrophoretic water extraction. Much of the AERC’s
work generates numerous patents.
Electromagnetics research is being conducted to address emerging concerns regarding the undesired effects
of electromagnetic radiation in the design of medical and communication equipment. Some of the AERC’s
researchers have developed a sophisticated vertical interferometer system that can be used in communications
and in low-angle radar work. Other members of the group are interested in general electromagnetics such as
radio-wave propagation, radars and stochastic electromagnetics. Electrostatic discharge is also a major reliability
concern in electronic devices and systems. The AERC is advancing protection methodologies, discharge physics
and electromagnetic interference in this area.
Facilities
The AERC’s facilities include laboratories with high voltage generation apparatus and devices for measuring and
analyzing the electrical properties of small solid and liquid particles. The laboratories are fully equipped with
instruments for carrying out projects related to the industrial generation, application and control of electric forces.
Collaborations and Partnerships
They AERC’s members work on highly applied, pioneering projects that are of significant interest to industry
and are undertaken in conjunction with industrial sponsors and government partners. One of the group’s recent
research successes is the development of precise methods for controlling the movements of particulates such as
aerosols, ink toners, water droplets and other fine materials via the application of electrical charges. This work had
garnered substantial interest from clients such as INCO, Ontario Hydro, IBM, Toyota Motor Manufacturing,
Ciba-Geigy, Dupont, Atochem and the Federal Department of Supply and Services for Energy, Mines and
Resources Canada. Work on assessing potential spark discharges that could cause fires or explosions in industries
handling flammable powders or liquids has also earned significant industrial interest.
Research on gas discharges and electrohydrodynamics is carried out in collaboration with outstanding global partners
such as Laboratoire d’Electrostatique et de Materiaux Dielectriques, CNRS in France and the Institute
of High Temperatures at the Russian Academy of Science. The group’s meteor modeling work is
undertaken in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in Alabama
and with the Communications Research Centre in Ottawa.
For more information, please visit: www.engga.uwo.ca/research/aerc/