Experimental investigation on the Electrohydrodynamic motion and Shape Deformation of a sedimenting Drop under Uniform Alternating Electric Field

A leaky dielectric Newtonian drop suspended in another leaky dielectric Newtonian liquid medium deforms as it settles under the influence of a uniform alternating electric field. As a result of this deformation, the terminal velocity is affected. In this study we present a detailed experimental investigation of the effect of horizontally directed uniform alternating electric field on the settling velocity and deformation characteristics of silicone oil drop falling in castor oil medium. For the fluid pair used, the drop deforms to a prolate shape on application of electric field which retards the drop motion in the vertical direction. There is a marked decrease in drop velocity with increase in field strength of the alternating electric field.