A thermodynamic analysis for heterogeneous boiling nucleation under an external electric field

A generalized expression of chemical potential under external electric fields is derived based on the non-equilibrium thermodynamics theory. Using Gibbs free energy equilibrium condition, a thermodynamic model is developed for homogeneous and heterogeneous boiling nucleation under external fields. Taking into consideration the effects of electric fields strength, contact angle, and the temperature gradient in the superheated liquid layer, analytical solutions in integral forms for critical radius and availability are obtained for onset of heterogeneous boiling nucleation on a superheated wall. It is found that both the critical radius and availability increase with the enhancement of electric field strength, indicating that nucleation becomes more difficult to occur under an externally imposed electric field.