Investigation of Micro-Perspective Coalescence Behavior of Dispersed Phase Droplets in Uniform Electric Field

Abstract

COMSOL simulation based on the Cahn–Hilliard formulation and the experimental method have been adopted to predict the coalescence behavior of water droplets in uniform electric field. The results reveal that coalescence of droplets consists of the drainage process and the contact process. The coalescence mechanism of micro-droplets has been established. COMSOL simulation together with the experiment concludes that the viscosity and coalescence time are roughly in line with the trend, and an optimal electric field strength can obtain the most efficient coalescence time

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• COMSOL simulation
• electric force
• experimental verification
• microscopic droplets
• uniform electric field