Numerical evaluation of the influence of AC and DC electric field on the response of the droplet

Abstract

Electrostatic forces can control capillary forces acting on a droplet, hence the contact angle of a droplet can be changed by applying an electric potential between the conducting droplet and a solid substrate. Thus electrowetting has drawn much attention due to its potential applications in microfluidic devices, electronic displays, electro-optical switches. To completely understand electrowetting induced droplet dynamics, a comprehensive numerical model that effectively models the transient behaviour of electrowetting actuated droplets is required. In this paper, a numerical approach is employed to study the response of a droplet subjected to AC and DC actuating signals. The differences in responses due to AC and DC signals are studied. An investigation of the evolution of droplet shape under DC and AC condition is also conducted.