Numerical simulation of flow within circular tube electrode-pair pump flow using EHD phenomena

Abstract

This study involves the application of EHD phenomena to a pump. EHD phenomena occur when a high voltage is applied to a dielectric liquid, causing the liquid to flow. If the phenomena are used, the liquid's flow can be controlled by arranging electrodes within the liquid and applying a voltage, thus greatly reducing the overall number of parts the pump requires, especially sliding parts, such as impellers. In turn, this makes it possible to reduce the size and weight of the pump. Specifically, the phenomena are created inside the pump by applying high voltage to an electrode installed within a circular tube, which generates a unidirectional flow within the liquid. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to calculate the voltage and velocity distribution by modeling the flow within the EHD micropump and performing a numerical simulation of the flow.