A simulation of free-surface electrohydrodynamic flow

Free-surface electrohydrodynamics is a complex phenomenon that is difficult to describe, explain, and predict. Mathematical models and a simulator were developed to analyze this flow in two dimensions. Several configurations were investigated. Simulation results indicate that the effects of inertia can be substantial in the dielectrophoretic rise of fluid between two electrified plates. The initial stages of the radial breakup of a charged conducting fluid cylinder consist of wavelike oscillations along the surface. The shape of an insulating jet from a nozzle is seen to be highly dependent on the electric field configuration. In the initial formation of a conducting jet, a 10% increase in applied voltage results in about a 10% increase in fluid velocity. The width of the jet increases with increasing viscosity. Variation in the applied voltage does not influence the shape of the jet at a fixed-reference location. A set of time sequence graphs illustrates the formation and breakup of an electrified jet. >