Electrohydrodynamics-driven pattern formation of liquid drops

Direct Numerical Simulations are performed to explore the pattern formation of suspension

of leaky dielectric liquid drops in a uniform DC electric field. The applied electric field

strength is moderate, so the drops do not disintegrate but go through

tangible deformation. The response of emulsions in different regions of the

deformation-circulation map is studied and it is shown that the drops form columnar structures or

horizontal rafts, depending on the ratio of the dielectric properties of the drop liquid

to the ambient liquid. Two different measures are used to characterize the evolution of the microstructure formation: cluster multiple labeling and pair distribution function.

The former provides information about the cluster size, while the latter gives insight regarding the radial and angular orientation of the drops at a given time.