ELECTROHYDRODYNAMICS - THE TAYLOR-MELCHER LEAKY DIELECTRIC MODEL

Electrohydrodynamics deals with fluid motion induced by electric field s. In the mid 1960s GI Taylor introduced the leaky dielectric model to explain the behavior of droplets deformed by a steady field and JR Me lcher used it extensively to develop electrohydrodynamics. This review deals with the foundations of the leaky dielectric model and experime ntal tests designed to probe its usefulness. Although the early experi mental studies supported the qualitative features of the model, quanti tative agreement was poor. Recent studies are in better agreement with the theory. Even though the model was originally intended to deal wit h sharp interfaces, contemporary studies with suspensions also agree w ith the theory. Clearly the leaky dielectric model is more general tha n originally envisioned.