Numerical simulation of the behavior of a dielectric sphere under electric fields

In order to clarify the effects of the electric field on the discrete phase in a two-phase system, a dielectric sphere was introduced to a dielectric liquid in a uniform electric field in this paper. A mathematical model predicting the electric field distribution was established. The equipotential lines and electric field strength around the sphere were obtained by solving the governing equations for electric field. Based on the study of the electric field distribution, the electric body force acting on the sphere was determined by solving the normal stress conditions at the sphere surface. In addition, the experiments about the movement of the dielectric sphere with different diameters were visualized under an applied electric field. The numerical and experimental results showed generally good agreements.