Effect of direct current on the thermocapillary migration of droplets in microgravity

Abstract

The migration of droplets under the effect of electromagnetic and thermocapillary forces is studied in the case where the electrical conductivity of droplets differs from that of host fluid. The bulk electromagnetic forces in a diluted suspension filling the non-electrical-conducting tube arise due to the interaction between the axial electric current and its magnetic self-field. The temperature gradient in a fluid is caused by Joule heating. The migration of a bubble and a solid particle is also considered. The modified Lamb solution for the Stokes equations is a theoretical basis for the analysis performed.