Dynamics of dust particles in a magnetized plasma sheath in a fully ionized space plasma

The dynamics of negatively charged dust particles in sheath formed in plasma similar to those observed in moons, asteroids, and other atmospheres in planetary system have been studied. The ambient conditions are based on the consideration of a static magnetic field in the dynamical system. It is assumed that the dust has been injected into the sheath by the impact of meteorites. Some charged dust particles of very small size might be drawn into the sheath by the electrostatic levitation also. The forces on the dust particles are assumed to be from the electric field in the sheath, the static magnetic field and from gravitation. It is expected that the charged dust particles would describe a slanted helix with variable pitch in the sheath. The size of the dust particles is likely to influence the progress of the ejected dust particles in the sheath. The size of the charged dust particles should determine whether they escape the sheath or fall back to the ground or form a cloud in the sheath. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.