Motivation for Exploring Size Dependence on Fluid Mechanics Relations

On the mircoscale, we observe that current grows linearly with applied voltage, however, on the macroscale, the exact opposite is observed, where the current is independent of the applied voltage. This leads us to believe that there is more to this story, which is the primary motivation to carry out the research.

The Microscale

On the micro-scale (dimensions of flow and equipment on the order of 10 microns), we see the following types of effects on liquids under high voltage (video below). It is clear that there is quite a bit of viscous drag force between the inner and outer liquids. We measure that there is a linear dependence of current on applied voltage on this microfluidic device (microscale).

The Macroscale

On the macro-scale (dimensions of flow and equipment on the order of 10 centimeters), we see the following effects on liquids under high voltage (video below). As compared to the microscale video, the drag effects are greatly reduced since the dielectric medium in the macroscale electrocoflow is air, however the current is measured to be independent of the applied voltage.

Remarks and Contact Info

This research on finding the relationship between the micro- and macro- scale fluid mechanics derivations is highly interesting because of the many different variables that come into play. I plan on finishing my research with Electrocoflow Processes sometime in 2012 before I graduate.

If you’d like to contact me regarding more detailed information on my research or have a comment, please do not hesitate to send me an email.

Here is a downloadable, more detailed Powerpoint file of some of the work I'm doing!