Collective motion in a fluid complex plasma induced by interaction with a slow projectile under microgravity conditions
Abstract
Subsonic motion of a large particle (projectile) moving through the bulk of a dust crystal formed by negatively charged small particles is investigated using the PK-3 Plus laboratory onboard the International Space Station. Tracing the dust particle trajectories show that the projectile moves almost freely through the bulk of plasma crystal, while dust particles move along characteristic alpha-shaped pathways near the large particle. We develop a theory of nonviscous dust particles motion about a projectile and calculate particle trajectories. The deformation of a cavity around a subsonic projectile in the cloud of small dust particles is investigated with due regard for friction between the dust particles and atoms of neutral gas. The pressure of a dust cloud at the surface of a cavity around the projectile can become negative, which entails the emergence of a considerable asymmetry of the cavity, i.e., the cavity deformation. Corresponding threshold velocity is calculated, which is found to decrease with increasing cavity size. Developed theory makes it possible to estimate the static pressure of dust particles in a cloud on the basis of experimental data. A good agreement with experiment validates our approach.
- Publication:
-
40th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014cosp...40E3842Z