Effects of Liquid Viscosity on the Formation and Attenuation of Capillary Waves Induced by AC Electrowetting-on-Dielectric

The capillary waves induced by electrowetting-on-dielectric have great potential in terms of capillary propulsion and other applications. At present, these applications are limited by a lack of research on the effects of liquid viscosity, which is an important parameter in controlling this phenomenon. This paper examines the formation, propagation, and attenuation of electrowetting-on-dielectric-induced capillary waves (EWCWs) on a liquid-free surface with different levels of liquid viscosity. The formation and propagation of the capillary waves are visualized using a high-speed camera and a free-surface synthetic Schlieren method. A theoretical model is established to describe the wave amplitude and wave propagation of EWCWs. The results show that the liquid viscosity, as well as the surface tension, significantly affects the formation and propagation of EWCWs. Using the results presented in this paper, a new type of Stokes viscometer based on EWCWs is proposed, enabling accurate measurements of liquid viscosity over a wide range of viscosity and temperature conditions.