Dust acoustic wave properties in varying discharge volumes

Properties of self-excited dust acoustic waves under the influence of active compression of the dust particle system were experimentally studied in the laboratory and under microgravity conditions (parabolic flight). Ground based laboratory experiments clearly show that wave properties can be manipulated by changing the discharge volume, its aspect ratio, and thus the dust particle density. Complementary experiments under microgravity conditions, performed to exclude the effects of gravity inflicted sedimentation and anisotropic behavior, were less conclusive due to residual fluctuations in the planes acceleration indicating the need for a better microgravity environment. A theoretical model, using plasma parameters obtained from particle-in-cell simulations as input, supports the experimental findings. It shows that the waves can be described as a new observation of the dust acoustic mode, which demonstrates their generic character.(c) 2023 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0138784

Automated summary

The properties of self-excited dust acoustic waves under active compression of the dust particle system were studied experimentally. The wave properties were found to be manipulated by changing the discharge volume and dust particle density. Complementary experiments under microgravity conditions showed the need for a better microgravity environment. Theoretical modeling supported the experimental findings, showing the waves as a new observation of the dust acoustic mode.