Formation of electrohydrodynamic flows in strongly nonuniform electric fields for two charge-formation modes

The main features of the formation of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flows are analyzed for two basic regimes of electrization of weakly conducting liquids: injection from the electrode surface and dissociation in the bulk. Analysis is carried out on the basis of the results of computer simulation of EHD flows in a strongly nonuniform electric field in the needle-plane electrode system. This system creates favorable conditions for the injection as well as dissociation mechanisms of charge formation. Typical features are revealed for each model of charge formation. The current-time characteristics of the transient process of stabilization of EHD flows are calculated.