A particle-in-cell approach to the charging of dust particle inclusions immersed in plasma
Abstract
We describe a new model of dusty plasmas based on the particle-in-cell (PIC) code LSP. Dusty plasmas are important for understanding a wide range of applications and phenomena such as plasma machining and planet formation. These plasmas are typically highly coupled with inclusions of nanometer to millimeter particles. A fundamental question is how dust charges via absorption of plasma particles and this is investigated using kinetic simulations. In our model, a dust particle can be of arbitrary shape and is represented by a collection of PIC particles which can absorb electrons and ions. Simulations can be run in 1D3V, 2D3V, and 3D, explicitly or implicitly, with a variety of field solvers and particles pushers. An algorithm is also implemented to mitigate the unphysical depletion of plasma due to finite grid size. Comparison to existing results and theory is presented. Given this platform, the model can be extended to include photoionization, charge migration, and other effects in a straightforward manner.
This work is supported by an STTR award through the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018APS..DPPT11024K