A lumped-element model has been used to explain charge conduction and conve
ction in stationary and moving web systems, Incremental sectors of the web
are assigned conductance and capacitance, and their individual potentials a
re computed. Ordinary circuit equations are used to determine the evolution
of the charge distribution. The simulation method provides physical insigh
t into the means by which charges are concentrated or rarified at points of
geometrical transition, such as the peeling point between a web and a roll
er. Results compare favorably with the analytical solutions of other author
s.