Deformation of a droplet in a uniform electric field

Pushpendra Singh, Nadine Aubry

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Fluid in a micro-device can be transported either as a continuous stream in a channel or in the form of droplets. The latter holds great promise because of the possibility to move, split and fuse droplets for applications ranging from biochemical assays to drug delivery. In this paper, we consider the deformation of a liquid drop immersed in a surrounding fluid under the application of a uniform electric field. Specifically, we present the first direct numerical simulation of a droplet subjected to both hydrodynamic (viscous and capillary) and electrostatic forces. Our technique is based on a finite element scheme in which the droplet and its surrounding fluid are moved and deformed using the fundamental equations of motion. The interface is tracked by the level set method and the electrostatic forces are computed using the Maxwell stress tensor. Applying our method to a droplet subjected to a uniform electric field, we show how the drop deforms under the action of non-uniform stresses on its surface before eventually rupturing. A good agreement with previous analytical results is found for small drop deformations and a small dielectric mismatch between the drop and the ambient fluid. When these two conditions are relaxed, however, the discrepancy can be non-negligible.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of ASME Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting 2006, FEDSM2006
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers
Pages1511-1518
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)0791847500, 9780791847503
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
Event2006 ASME Joint U.S.- European Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting, FEDSM2006 - Miami, FL, United States
Duration: Jul 17 2006Jul 20 2006

Publication series

NameProceedings of ASME Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting 2006, FEDSM2006
Volume1 SYPMOSIA

Other

Other2006 ASME Joint U.S.- European Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting, FEDSM2006
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMiami, FL
Period7/17/067/20/06

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Deformation of a droplet in a uniform electric field'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this