The level-set method applied to droplet dynamics in the presence of an electric field

The present work will show the combination of the level-set method and the ghost-fluid method employed to simulate two-dimensional droplet dynamics in the presence of an electric field. The incompressible Navier-Stokes equation is used to model the fluid flow both inside and outside the droplet. Poisson equation with discontinuous coefficients for the electric potential is calculated using the ghost-fluid method. Then the electrically induced surface forces are incorporated into the hydrodynamic interfacial relations, which are handled in a sharp manner. The utility of the method is demonstrated in the calculation of droplet breakup and coalescence due to the electrically induced forces. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.