Lattice Boltzmann equation method in electrohydrodynamic problems

A consistent lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) model for simulating different electrohydrodynamic (EHD) phenomena is developed. The model includes fluid dynamics, electric charge transport via advection and conduction currents, and action of electric forces upon space charges in liquid. Problems with different thermodynamic phases (liquid and gaseous) and phase transitions, and with inhomogeneous and density-dependent electric permittivity and conductivity can also be simulated, as well as charge injection and recombination. Deformations and breakup of conductive vapor bubbles, bubble deformation due to electrostriction, dynamics of drops with different electric permittivity were simulated. Simulations show the great potential of the method especially for problems with free boundaries (systems with vapor bubbles and multiple components with different electric properties). (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.