Some Effects of Nonuniform Fields on Dielectrics

Abstract

Some of the more interesting effects of nonuniform electric fields are described in this report. Experimental and theoretical studies show the effects to be rather striking for particles larger than molecular size. The results show that the effect can be used to produce a fairly efficient pumping action of nonconducting liquids, to cause continuous and easily measureable separations in coarse suspensions, to cause selective precipitation, and to produce mixing. By this means, liquids may be thrown several feet into the air with an electromechanical efficiency of about 25%. A separation factor of at least 2.5 in continuous separatory operation may be produced in a suspension of polyvinyl chloride in carbon tetrachloride-benzene mixture. Suspensions of polar materials in less polar liquids may be either dispersed or precipitated. In one interesting ``demonstration'' type experiment, drops were ``hung'' in mid-air.