Effects of various forces on the distribution of particles at the boundary of a dusty plasma

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.872412· OSTI ID:526911

Liu, J; Ma, J X ^[1]

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1. Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, Peoples Republic of (China)

The distribution and suspension of dust particles under the action of electrostatic, gravitational, ion-drag and neutral collision forces are investigated near the boundary of a dusty plasma. It is shown that the competition among the forces results in spatial oscillations (multi-layer) of the particle distribution. For sub-micron grains the ion-drag has a significant effect on the grain dynamics while for micrometer sized grains the gravity quickly dominates over other forces. The effect of the neutral gas flux is to enhance or diminish that of the gravity while the effect of the neutral viscosity is to shift the profile toward the wall. Under the force balance, the particles are suspended in a narrow region with sharp boundaries within the sheath. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

• OSTI ID: 526911
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 4; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
DUSTS
LEVITATION
PLASMA
PLASMA IMPURITIES
PLASMA SHEATH