Modeling of an electrically driven droplet generator

Abstract

An electrohydrodynamic model for the simulation of droplet formation, mo- tion and detachment in an electrically driven droplet generator is introduced. The nu- merical approch is based on the coupled solution of the multiphase flow problem with the charge continuity equation. A conduction-convection model, taking into account con- ductive, capacitive and convective currents in the fluid, describes the charge relaxation phenomena in the moving liquid. The charge received by the droplets during acceleration by an external electric pulse is an important parameter influencing dynamics of droplets in the pressure chamber. The model is illustrated with simulations of detachment of high conductivity acetone droplets and low conductivity n-pentane droplets.