Geometric optimization of electrostatic fields for stable levitation of metallic materials

Experimental and computational methods are used to optimize the electrostatic field for levitating metallic materials. The calculated launch voltage increases linearly with the distance between top and bottom electrodes. The combination of a larger top electrode diameter with a smaller bottom diameter may enhance the levitation ability because the electric field intensity near the levitated sample is strengthened. Top convex and bottom concave electrodes can guarantee good levitation stability but decrease the levitation force. The design of bottom electrode is crucial to attain not only a stable levitation state but also a higher levitation capability. As a measure characterizing the intrinsic levitation ability of various materials, the product of density and diameter of levitated samples can be used to determine the launch voltage for counteracting gravity according to a power relationship.