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Updated: Feb 10, 2026
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Generation and Control of Electrohydrodynamic Flows in Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions
Published on: September 7, 2018
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Electrohydrodynamic coalescence of droplets using an embedded potential flow model.
M Garzon1, L J Gray2, J A Sethian3
1Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
Physical Review. E
|May 20, 2018
Summary
Numerical simulations reveal how two inviscid droplets merge and form smaller satellite droplets. The study analyzes different droplet sizes and the impact of electric fields on this complex fluid dynamics process.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Multiphase flow
- Computational physics
Background:
- Droplet coalescence is a fundamental phenomenon in fluid dynamics.
- Understanding satellite droplet formation is crucial for various applications.
- Previous studies faced challenges in simulating topological changes during coalescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically investigate the coalescence of two inviscid droplets.
- To analyze satellite droplet formation under varying conditions, including electric fields.
- To compare simulation results with experimental data.
Main Methods:
- Coupling level set and boundary integral methods.
- Utilizing an embedded potential flow model.
- Tracking free surface topological changes during coalescence.
Main Results:
- Identified various coalescence modes based on droplet size ratios.
- Analyzed bridge radii evolution, scaling laws, and satellite sizes.
- Observed partial coalescence self-similarity for specific droplet ratios.
- Demonstrated electric field control over satellite droplet size.
Conclusions:
- The numerical method accurately captures complex coalescence events.
- Results align well with existing experimental data for water droplets.
- Electric fields offer a means to control satellite droplet characteristics.
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