This paper presents numerical studies of electrostatically-driven free surface flows using the COMSOL Multiphysics. Electrostatic forces are calculated by a weak formulation of the Maxwell stress tensor. Fluid interfaces are tracked with the Level Set...
This paper presents numerical studies of electrostatically-driven free surface flows using the COMSOL Multiphysics. Electrostatic forces are calculated by a weak formulation of the Maxwell stress tensor. Fluid interfaces are tracked with the Level Set Method. The numerical method is first validated with the leaky-dielectric model of Melcher and Taylor on the electro-capillary cellular flow. Second, the Taylor cone formation is simulated to investigate drop ejection phenomena for an electrostatic inkjet head. It is found that hydrophobic surface wetting conditions are beneficial for a better and earlier drop ejection. It is suggested that Marangoni flow can be used to control the electro-capillary flow and vice versa.