Droplet Deformation and 2-D/3-D Marangoni Flow Phenomena in Droplets Levitated by Electric Fields

An integrated numerical model is presented for free surface phenomena and Marangoni fluid flows in electrically levitated droplets under both terrestrial and microgravity conditions. The model development is based on the boundary element solution of the Maxwell equations simplified for electrostatic levitation applications and the free surface deformation that is primarily caused from the surface Maxwell stresses resulting from the applied electric fields. The electric and free surface model is further integrated with a finite element model for the surface-tension-induced fluid flows in the levitated droplets. Both 2-D and 3-D fluid flow structures may be developed in the electrically levitated droplets depending on the applied laser heating sources. The integrated model is applied to study the electric field distribution, free surface deformation, and 2-D and 3-D internal fluid flow structures in normal and microgravity for single, symmetric two-beam, four-beam, and six-beam laser heating arrangements. Among these arrangements, the six-beam arrangement with equal heating intensity gives the smallest temperature difference and the smallest maximum velocity.