The application of an electric field on a fluid in motion gives rise to unique features and flow manipulation capabilities. Technologies ranging from bubble formation, droplet generation, fibre spinning, and many others are predicated on this type of flows, often referred to as Electrohydrodynamics (EHD). In this paper, we present a numerical methodology that allows for the
The phenomenon of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jetting is affected by both the flow and electric properties of the dielectric fluid. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach has been used to analyse the resultant effect of fluid viscosity on EHD flows. This study looks at the unique effect of fluid viscosity on the flow profile, velocity magnitude and the electric field distribution. It is very difficult to experimentally study these relationships, but CFD provides insights that can open the world of Electrohydrodynamics to new levels of applications; as this will give an idea of how to manipulate the jet formation. Viscosity has been highlighted as one of the key parameters that aid jet elongation and stability. Therefore, the necessity to study its role. Most studies have been carried out experimentally, but this paper provides computation insights. To solve the multiphase problem, a finite volume method using the Volume of Fluid approach for capturing the shape of the interface was used for the investigation. The leaky dielectric model which describes the process solves the combination of the Charge Transport Model and Navier-Stokes equations simultaneously. The transient liquid-gas interface tracking was achieved using the VOF technique. Among many other features observed, the results showed that it takes more time for the electric field to overcome the opposing surface tension of the solution at higher viscosity than at lower viscosity. Higher electric field magnitudes/strength were observed for the fluid of lower viscosity than that of the higher viscosity. Also, an increase in the viscosity reduces the droplet size/jet diameter.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.