Evaluation of using micropolar fluid approach for the EHD-enhanced forced convection through a rectangular channel using multiple electrode arrangements

Abstract

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) induced flow and its flow regime modeling has been always questionable in hydraulically laminar regime ranges. The main purpose of this study is evaluating and using an alternative approach then the turbulent assumption based on a micropolar model through the study of multiple electrode arrangements EHD cases in a rectangular channel. Estimation of the adequate material parameter, that represents the ratio of micro rotational viscosity to the dynamic viscosity of the fluid (κω/μ), is the main challenge of using micropolar model. The governing equations are discretized and solved by using a finite volume approach for two-dimensional cases, and these cases are converged to find proper material parameter which is the main challenge of micropolar approach. Comparing results of the micropolar model with the k-ε turbulent model, shows that not only finding an adequate material parameter is not out of access assumption, but also the micropolar model can be an adequate candidate for simulation of EHD induced flows in hydraulically laminar regime. The results show that the adequate material parameter (κω/μ) is only sensitive to the strength of EHD (NEHD) even in single or multiple electrode cases.