Role of Joule Heating in Electro-Assisted Processes: A Boundary Layer Approach for Rectangular Electrodes

Abstract

Abstract An analysis for boundary layer flows caused by natural convection due to heat generation caused by the Joule heating effect is presented. The integral approximation approach developed by Von Karman is used to model the boundary layer flow in the system. Effects of the heat generation on temperature and velocity profiles as well as on the boundary layer thickness are discussed, and their implication for possible convective mixing effects near the electrode region is highlighted. These are important pieces of information when designing applications in electrokinetic remediation and separation of biomolecules.