Electrohydrodynamic Conduction Pumping of Liquid Film in Horizontal Annular Configuration

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pumping is associated with the heterocharge layers of finite thickness in the vicinity of the electrodes, which are based on the process of dissociation of the neutral electrolytic species and recombination of the generated ions. This work numerically studies the electrically driven liquid film flow in horizontal annular configuration based on electric conduction phenomenon. The numerical domain considered is represented by a two dimensional developing axisymmetric channel flow of a liquid separated from vapor by a horizontal interface. Two electrode designs are selected for this study: zero drag and non-zero drag electrode configurations. Laminar formulation is utilized for annular flow in the absence of gravity. The electric field and electric body force distributions in axial and radial directions along with flow field and velocity profiles for two electrode designs are presented and fundamentally analyzed. IN addition to the above, similar but limited results are provided for EHD conduction pumping of liquid film in horizontal annular configuration in the presence of gravity. In this case, a k — ε model with near wall treatment is incorporated for turbulence distribution. The electric body force distribution in axial and radial directions and flow pattern are fundamentally illustrated.