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Coagulation of dust particles in a plasmaThe electrostatic charge of small dust grains in a plasma in which the temperature varies in time is discussed, pointing out that secondary electron emission might introduce charge separation. If the sign of the charge on small grains is opposite to that on big ones, enhanced coagulation can occur which will affect the size distribution of grains in a plasma. Two scenarios where this process might be relevant are considered: a hot plasma environment with temperature fluctuations and a cold plasma environment with transient heating events. The importance of the enhanced coagulation is uncertain, because the plasma parameters in grain-producing environments such as a molecular cloud or a protoplanetary disk are not known. It is possible, however, that this process is the most efficient mechanism for the growth of grains in the size range of 0.1-500 microns.
Document ID
19900061863
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Horanyi, M.
(Arizona, University Tucson, United States)
Goertz, C. K.
(Iowa, University Iowa City, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
September 20, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 361
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
90A48918
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1688
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1656
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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