Electrohydrodynamic induction and conduction pumping of dielectric liquid film: theoretical and numerical studies

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumping of single and two-phase media is attractive for terrestrial and outer space applications since it is non-mechanical, lightweight, and involves no moving parts. In addition to pure pumping purposes, EHD pumps are also used for the enhancement of heat transfer, as an increase in mass transport often translates to an augmentation of the heat transfer. Applications, for example, include two-phase heat exchangers, heat pipes, and capillary pumping loops. In this research, EHD induction pumping of liquid film in annular horizontal and vertical configurations is investigated. A non-dimensional analytical model accounting for electric shear stress existing only at the liquid/vapor interface is developed for attraction and repulsion pumping modes. The effects of all involved parameters including the external load (i.e. pressure gradient) and gravitational force on the nondimensional interfacial velocity are presented. A non-dimensional stability analysis of EHD induction pumping of liquid film in a vertical annular configuration in the presence of external load for repulsion mode is carried out. A general non-dimensional stability criterion is presented. Stability maps are introduced allowing classification of pump operation as stable or unstable based on the input operating parameters. An advanced numerical model accounting for the charges induced throughout the bulk of the fluid due to the temperature gradient for EHD induction pumping of liquid film in a vertical annular configuration is derived. A non-dimensional parametric study including the effects of external load is carried out for different entrance temperature profiles and in the presence of Joule heating. Finally, a non-dimensional theoretical model is developed to investigate and to understand the EHD conduction phenomenon in electrode geometries capable of generating a net flow. It is shown that with minimal drag electrode design, the EHD conduction phenomenon is capable of providing a net flow. The theoretical model is further extended to study the effect of EHD conduction phenomenon for a two-phase flow (i.e. a stratified liquid/ vapor medium). The numerical results presented confirm the concept of liquid film net flow generation with the EHD conduction mechanism