Damir Cavka

Human Exposure to Electrostatic Field Generated by Video Display Units

Damir Cavka graduated from the University of Split, Croatia and has successfully passed his MPhil Viva at WIT with a thesis on “Human Exposure to Electrostatic Field Generated by Video Display Units”. The external examiner was Dr Steve Pennock from the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering at the University of Bath, UK and the internal was Dr Alex Galybin.

The objective of this work was to investigate the interaction between electrostatic field of Video Display Units (VDU’s) and human heads positioned in front of the units. Special attention was given to the field at the surface of the face. The finite element model for assessment of the electrostatic field, by solving three dimensional Laplace equation for the electric potential, was implemented. The electrostatic field was calculated for two different faces and then compared with results obtained by the finite difference method. Furthermore, calculations were made for various parameters such as the distance between the display and the face, size of the display and electrostatic potential of the display. Detailed analysis of the field strength was made on the face of the operator as well as in the space between the display and the face as a function of the display size and the distance between face and display. Finally, results are compared with the available international standards and guidelines.

Numerical results obtained in the thesis can be used for solving problems like particle deposition on human face and eyes. Modelling of complex surfaces i.e. computational domains such as the human face is very important part of his thesis as well as high resolution of the calculated field. Another important fact is that although this work focuses on VDU’s, it can be easily extended to more general electrostatic problems including other industrial electrostatic problems.

As a result of his research, both examiners recommended that Damir be awarded the degree of Master of Philosophy.

Damir is currently employed as a young researcher in the Department of Electronics at the University of Split, Croatia, where he is starting his PhD research.

Grateful acknowledgement is given to the British Council for their support through the Chevening Scholarship Scheme.