Charting New Territories: Developing a Solver for Multiphase Electrohydrodynamic Flows for Micro Propulsion
Think about a drop of water on a leaf. It might seem like it’s doing nothing, but if you could zoom in, you’d see an intricate dance of fluid particles. This gets even more complex when you introduce electricity into the mix – a field known as electrohydrodynamics.
In my latest project, I’ve developed a powerful computer program, or a “solver”, that simulates these complex fluid flows involving electricity and multiple phases (like liquid and gas). This was no small task, as these phenomena are tough to capture accurately, especially when they happen on a very small scale.
I used sophisticated methods like CLSVOF (Coupled Level Set and Volume of Fluid) and a fractional step Navier-Stokes solver, which are like the top-of-the-line tools in the world of fluid dynamics. To simulate the electrohydrodynamic phenomena, I incorporated a model called the Leaky Dielectric Model. This lets the solver capture how electricity influences the flow at a microscale level.
To ensure the solver works accurately, I rigorously tested it against data from published research. It passed with flying colors, showing that it can simulate a variety of complex electrohydrodynamic flows accurately.
But that’s not all! To push the boundaries even further, I added a feature to the solver that can track the motion of ionic particles (particles with an electric charge) as they move from a specific formation called a Taylor cone. This adds a new dimension to how we can simulate and study these fascinating phenomena, especially in microfluidic devices – tiny devices that deal with small amounts of fluids.
The ultimate goal? This solver could lead us to design more efficient micro propulsion systems, potentially revolutionizing areas like satellite technology and drug delivery systems. It’s another big step in the quest to understand and harness the complex world of fluid dynamics.
Stay tuned as this project advances – I can’t wait to share more with you!