Expansion of a bounded plasma with dust particles

Abstract

The expansion of a bounded plasma with dust particles is investigated by means of computer modelling, taking into account the dynamics of the dust particle charge as well as the Coulomb collisions of electrons and ions with dust particles. The PIC method is used for the computer modelling. The collection of electrons and ions by dust particles is described in a way similar to orbit-limited probe theory. Coulomb interactions are described in the framework of stochastic differential equations. It is shown that the mean distribution functions of electrons and ions are influenced by the dust particles during plasma expansion. The evolution of the ion distribution function leads to a strong deviation from equilibrium. Dust particles also influence the temporal behaviour of the plasma parameters.