Modelling of Droplet Dynamics in Strong Electric Fields

Abstract

AbstractWe describe a modelling approach for the simulation of droplet dynamics in strong electric fields. The model accounts for electroquasistatic fields, convective and conductive currents, contact angle dynamics and charging effects associated with droplet breakup processes. Two classes of applications are considered. The first refers to the problem of water droplet oscillations on the surface of outdoor high-voltage insulators. The contact angle characteristics resulting from this analysis provides a measure for the estimation of the electric field inception thresholds for electrical discharges on the surface. The second class of applications consists in the numerical characterization of electrosprays. Detailed simulations confirm the scaling law for the first electrospray ejection and, furthermore, provide insight on the charge-radius characteristics for transient as well as steady state electrosprays.