Maxwell stress in fluid mixtures

TL;DR

This paper investigates Maxwell stress in binary fluid mixtures under electric fields, revealing its connection to domain structure statistics and providing a practical formula that aligns with experimental results.

Contribution

It introduces a compact formula linking Maxwell stress to domain structure in immiscible blends, aiding the study of electro-rheological effects.

Findings

The stress tensor matches experimental data in steady electric fields.

Maxwell stress is closely related to domain structure statistics.

A new formula simplifies analysis of electro-rheological effects.

Abstract

We examine the structure of Maxwell stress in binary fluid mixtures under an external electric field and discuss its consequence. In particular, we show that, in immiscible blends, it is intimately related to the statistics of domain structure. This leads to a compact formula, which may be useful in the investigation of electro-rheological effects in such systems. The stress tensor calculated in a phase separated fluid under a steady electric field is in a good agreement with recent experiments.