Numerical modeling of electro-conjugate fluid flows

An electro-conjugate fluid (ECF) is a kind of low conductivity dielectric fluid, which produces a strong flow when subjected to high DC voltage. ECFs are potentially useful in a variety of applications, including microactuators, microgyroscopes, and CPU liquid cooling systems. However, the biggest hindrance to the commercial development of applications involving ECFs is the lack of theoretical understanding of the fluid flow mechanisms associated with ECFs. This study presents a numerical simulation based on a physical model for the flow of ECFs that arises due to the generation of electric (Maxwell) stress gradients. Validation of the results from the numerical simulation against experimental data obtained using particle image velocimetry (PIV) provides confidence that the model is capable of quantitatively reproducing the flow of these ECFs.