An electrostatic finite element analysis of the electrospinning process of bilayer constructs using a parallel-plate collector

Fundamental knowledge of the deposition process of electrospun fibers is of paramount importance to the fabrication of constructs with fibers oriented in specific directions, depending on the mandrel geometry. This paper presents an electrostatic finite element analysis of a parallel-plate electrospinning configuration that reveals the effects of the electric potential intensity and directionality on the deposition of aligned and randomly oriented fibers, resulting in the formation of a fibrous bilayer construct. Simulations demonstrate that polymer deposition between the collector plates yields a local effect on the electric field. This study provides a computational methodology for investigating other collector configurations and guidance for designing electrospinning setups capable of producing microfibrous constructs with tailored morphologies.