Dynamic coalescence of two charged droplets with deflected angles in the presence of electric fields

Xin He, Ben-Xi Zhang, Yi-Feng Wang, Yan-Yi Zhang, Yan-Ru Yang, Xiao-Dong Wang*, Duu-Jong Lee*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

Abstract

The electrocoalescence dynamics of two charged droplets with different deflected angles are studied via molecular dynamics simulations. The simulated results show that under a weak electric field, these adjacent droplets can realize the complete coalescence at the deflected angles of 0° and 50°, but cannot realize that at the deflected angle of 90°. As the electric field strength increases to a critical value, owing to escaped ions, a secondary droplet is ejected from coalescing droplet, namely the partial coalescence. However, as the field strength far exceeds the critical field strength, charge transfer appears between these adjacent droplets by the liquid bridge. These two droplets with enough opposite charges move towards the opposite directions, respectively, such that the formed liquid bridge breaks at the interface again, leading to the appearance of non-coalescence. As a result, the complete-to-non coalescence transition is triggered by the strong electric field.
Original languageEnglish
Article number118812
JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids
Volume353
Online published22 Feb 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2022

Research Keywords

  • Charge transfer
  • Charged droplets
  • Critical Electric field
  • Deflected angles
  • Electrocoalescence

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