Electrohydrodynamic Deformation of Fluid Interfaces and Manipulation of Droplets

ehd bubble manipulation

This experiment delves into the electrohydrodynamic deformation of an oil-oil interface. We induce a morphological transformation by applying a voltage of up to 10 kV to a submerged conductive electrode, resulting in a classic cone-jet pattern. This phenomenon arises from the intricate interplay of electrostatic forces, surface tension, and viscous stresses. The conical jet subsequently emits fine droplets through a process known as submerged electrospray. We observed that the droplet size distribution and emission rate are significantly influenced by the applied voltage and the interfacial tension between the two oils. This research provides valuable insights into fundamental fluid mechanics and electrohydrodynamics, with potential applications in diverse fields such as materials science, microfluidics, and drug delivery. (In collaboration with the Laboratorio de ReologĂ­a y Fluidos Complejos @ESPE, Ecuador)