The Quincke effect is an electrohydrodynamic instability which gives rise to a torque on a dielectric particle in a uniform DC electric field. Previous studies reported that a sphere initially resting on the electrode rolls with steady velocity. In this thesis I report the experimental discovery of another regime, where the rotating sphere levitates in the space between the electrodes. I quantify the conditions for levitation to occur and explore the dynamics of the Quincke rotors on this hovering state. The onset of Quincke rotation strongly depends on particle confinement and the threshold for rolling is higher compared to rotation in the hovering state. Furthermore, in strong fields the rotation becomes chaotic. Finally, collectives of hovering Quincke rotors are found to display novel self-organized states such as crystals, chains, and other dynamical assemblies.

Creator

• Pradillo Macias, Gerardo Emilio

DOI

• https://doi.org/10.21985/n2-76vz-h074

Subject

• Fluid mechanics

Language

• en

Alternate Identifier

• http://dissertations.umi.com/northwestern:15174
• etdadmin_upload_752435

Keyword

• Quincke
• hovering
• Electrohydrodynamics
• self assembly
• Suspension
• Fluids

Date created

• 2020-01-01

Resource type

• Dissertation

Rights statement

• In Copyright