Simulation of Hydrodynamic Behavior of a Conductive Drop Under an Electric Field

In this research , the effect of an electric field on the deformation and phase change ofa perfect conductive drop suspended in a perfect dielectric fluid is studied . Basic equations are theincompressible flow and energy equations . Electric field effect appears as normal stresses at interfacewhich are taken into account in solving flow equations . The level-set method is used for interfacetracking. Discontinuities at interface are imposed using the ghost fluid method. In the first step , the effectof an electric field on the hydrodynamic of a drop is studied . A good agreement between the simulationand experimental results is observed. Due to electric stresses , drop deforms in the direction of electricfield . The drop deformation increases with the electric capillary number. If the electric capillary numberexceeds the critical value, deformation will be unsteady. Novelty of this research is related to the studyof electric field effect on the drop evaporation. Based on the results, drop evaporation rate is enhancedin the presence of an electric field . If the electric capillary number exceeds a specific value (evaporationcritical electric capillary number) , drop evaporation will increase considerably . This critical value isintroduced in this research, for the first time.