Electric Field Mediated Droplet Centering

Journal Article · Fri Mar 12 00:00:00 EST 2010 · Applied Physics Letters

OSTI ID:973489

Double emulsion droplets subjected to a uniform ac electric field self-assemble into highly concentric structures via the dipole/dipole force if the outer droplet has a higher dielectric constant than the suspending liquid. The dielectric constant of the inner droplet has no influence. To minimize field-induced droplet distortion, the liquids must be density matched to ~0.1%. Centering of ~3 to 6 mm diameter droplets is achieved within ~60 s for field strengths of ~10^4 V_rms /m in liquids of viscosity ~10 cP. Effective centering depends strongly on frequency if the outer shell is conductive.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States). Lab. for Laser Energetics
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: FC52-08NA28302
• OSTI ID: 973489
• Report Number(s): DOE/NA/28302-859; 2008-161; 1834
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 93, Issue 18
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English