Some electrohydrodynamic effects in fluid dispersions

Under the combined influence of applied shear and electric fields, the macroscopic behavior of suspensions reflects coupling of the two fields which produces stresses at the phase boundaries. These stresses in turn cause motion and/or deformation of the suspended phase. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) factors which govern these motions and deformations are reviewed in detail. both in a general theoretical context and also in terms of extensive experimental observations. Throughout an attempt has been made to relate the microscopic behaviour (including interactions) of the suspended phase to macroscopically observable or bulk properties of the suspension as a whole.The phenomena reviewed here are important to a large number of colloidal problems of interest to the physical, biological and earth sciences.