Search

In this paper, a Taylor cone model in the nanoscale is configured using the many-body dissipative particle dynamics method. The sharpening process of the Taylor cone and the breakup process at different electric field intensities and different charge concentrations are systematically investigated. Under a strong electric field, the hemispherical droplet is sharpened over time and evolves into a conic one. Then the conic cusp emits a thin jet. Finally, the cone shrinks into a semi-sphere after jet breaking. These deformation processes occur several times until no charges are emitted from the conic cusp. It is found that the electric field force is responsible for jet emitting, while the Coulombic force causes a jet breakup. With the rising of the intensity of the electric field, the breakup times also increase. However, the breakup times decrease with the rising of the charge concentration. It indicates that a conductive liquid with low electrical conductivities and subjected to a strong electric field is more prone to undergo pulsating breakups.