The motion of two drops in a uniform electric field is considered
using the leaky
dielectric model. The drops are assumed to have no native charge and a
dielectrophoretic
effect favours translation of the drops toward one another. However,
circulatory flows that stem from electrohydrodynamic stresses may either
act with
or against this dielectrophoretic effect. Consequently, both prolate and
oblate drop
deformations may be generated and significant deformation occurs near drop
contact
owing to enhancement of the local electric field. For sufficiently widely
spaced drops,
electrohydrodynamic flows dominate direct electrical interactions so drops
may be
pushed apart, though closely spaced drops almost always move together as
a result
of the electrical interaction or deformation.
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