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<p>In this work, the three-dimensional phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann method is adopted to investigate the non-Newtonian effects on droplet coalescence in an electric field. The numerical approach is validated by simulating droplet deformation in a uniform electric field and two-phase non-Newtonian flow between two plates. Results show that size asymmetry induces asymmetric deformation: smaller droplets tend to flatten while larger ones elongate along the electric field. Non-Newtonian rheology further modulates this deformation—shear-thinning fluids promote oblate shapes, while shear-thickening fluids enhance axial elongation. Moreover, both droplet size asymmetry and non-Newtonian rheology significantly influence the approach time prior to coalescence. In addition, increasing the electric capillary number further amplifies droplet deformation and accelerates coalescence. Due to their distinct rheological responses, shear-thinning fluids undergo a more rapid reduction in apparent viscosity during approach, promoting faster coalescence, whereas shear-thickening fluids experience greater viscous resistance, limiting acceleration. These results underscore the coupled effects of droplet size asymmetry, electric forcing, and fluid rheology in governing droplet dynamics under electric fields.</p>

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Three-dimensional simulation of non-Newtonian effects on droplet coalescence in an electric field

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月8日

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  • Weilin Chen,
  • Lei Wang,
  • Dinggen Li,
  • Bo Xu

摘要

In this work, the three-dimensional phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann method is adopted to investigate the non-Newtonian effects on droplet coalescence in an electric field. The numerical approach is validated by simulating droplet deformation in a uniform electric field and two-phase non-Newtonian flow between two plates. Results show that size asymmetry induces asymmetric deformation: smaller droplets tend to flatten while larger ones elongate along the electric field. Non-Newtonian rheology further modulates this deformation—shear-thinning fluids promote oblate shapes, while shear-thickening fluids enhance axial elongation. Moreover, both droplet size asymmetry and non-Newtonian rheology significantly influence the approach time prior to coalescence. In addition, increasing the electric capillary number further amplifies droplet deformation and accelerates coalescence. Due to their distinct rheological responses, shear-thinning fluids undergo a more rapid reduction in apparent viscosity during approach, promoting faster coalescence, whereas shear-thickening fluids experience greater viscous resistance, limiting acceleration. These results underscore the coupled effects of droplet size asymmetry, electric forcing, and fluid rheology in governing droplet dynamics under electric fields.