Dynamics of Three-Dimensional Vesicles in DC Electric fields

TL;DR

This study uses numerical simulations to explore how electric fields influence the shape and motion of three-dimensional vesicles, revealing key parameters that control their deformation and tumbling behavior.

Contribution

It provides a systematic analysis of how fluid properties and electric field strength affect vesicle dynamics, including shape transitions and tumbling suppression.

Findings

Conductivity and viscosity ratios significantly influence shape transitions.

A critical electric field strength prevents vesicle tumbling in shear flow.

Membrane capacitance affects the electric field needed for shape change.

Abstract

A numerical and systematic parameter study of three-dimensional vesicle electrohydrodynamics is presented to investigate the effects of different fluid and membrane properties. The dynamics of vesicles in the presence of DC electric fields is considered, both in the presence and absence of linear shear flow. For suspended vesicles it is shown that the conductivity ratio and viscosity ratio between the interior and exterior fluids, as well as the vesicle membrane capacitance, substantially affect the minimum electric field strength required to induce a full Prolate-Oblate-Prolate transition.In addition, there exists a critical electric field strength above which a vesicle will no longer tumble when exposed to linear shear flow.