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Charging of nonspherical macroparticles in a plasma
1Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BW, United Kingdom.
Physical Review. E
|April 15, 2016
Summary
This study extends orbit motion limited theory to charged spheroids in plasma. Highly elongated shapes significantly increase electric potential and charge compared to spheres.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Astrophysics
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- Current macroparticle charging theories are limited to spherical objects.
- Nonspherical particles are prevalent in various plasma environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- Extend orbit motion limited (OML) theory to nonspherical objects (spheroids).
- Investigate the plasma charging of spheroids.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical extension of OML theory to spheroidal shapes.
- Analysis of electric potential and charge accumulation on spheroids.
Main Results:
- Spherical OML theory is a fair approximation for many spheroids.
- Highly elongated spheroids exhibit electric potentials nearly double the spherical value.
- Total charge on spheroids increases more significantly than their potential.
Conclusions:
- The OML theory for spheres is insufficient for accurate charging of many nonspherical plasma objects.
- Spheroidal shape significantly impacts plasma charging dynamics, especially for elongated forms.
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