Effect of dust charge fluctuations on energy loss of a test dust charged particulate in a dusty plasma

Abstract

The energy loss of a test charged particulate in an unmagnetized dusty plasma is calculated by employing the dusty dielectric response function which accounts for the dust charge fluctuation. It is found that the dust charge fluctuation introduces a new contribution to the energy loss, which enhances it for fast charge relaxation rates and reduces it for slow rates. In the energy loss curves drawn against the test charge velocity, some peaks are observed. These peaks diminish for large charge relaxation rates. Possible explanation for these peaks is also discussed. These results may be useful for understanding coagulation of dust grains in space and laboratory plasmas and for transport of dust particulates in the planetary rings.