Numerical simulation of electric field distributions in electrohydrodynamic two-phase flow regimes

In electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow boiling and condensation heat transfer applications an interdependence exists between two-phase flow patterns and the applied voltage, and subsequently the electric field distribution established. Unlike single-phase flow, in liquid/gas or phase change processes the electric field established is continuously changing as the flow pattern changes due to interfacial vaporization or condensation. To further complicate the variation in this dynamic field effect, the interaction between the electric field and the fluid introduce an electrical force that can also cause a redistribution of the phases. In an effort to understand and analyze this interaction, the electric field distribution must be determined. To contribute to this effort, the evaluation of the static electric field distribution is performed for various flow regimes to provide a qualitative assessment regarding the direction of phase migration and possible flow pattern transition and to determine the net EHD force acting on the flow for an instant in time, i.e. for a given phase distribution.