Numerical study on transient response of droplet deformation in a steady electric field

The transient response of droplet deformation in a steady electric field is investigated by the numerical simulation and the motion of interface is captured by level-set method. The numerical scheme is validated and found to be in good agreement with classic analytical solutions. The effects of electric field intensity, interfacial tension, oil viscosity and droplet size on the transient deformation process are systematically discussed. The numerical results show that electric field intensity can accelerate the deformation of the droplet, while interfacial tension and oil viscosity damp it. Furthermore, the relation between electric capillary number and dimensionless deformation time is obtained. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.