Penetration of a supersonic particle at the interface in a binary complex plasma

The penetration of a supersonic particle at the interface is studied in a binary complex plasma. Inspired by the experiments performed in the PK-3 Plus Laboratory on board the International Space Station, Langevin dynamics simulations were carried out. A Mach cone structure forms in the lateral wave behind the supersonic extra particle, where the kink of the cone flanks is observed at the interface. The propagation of the pulse-like perturbation along the interface is demonstrated by the evolution of the radial and axial velocity of the small particles in the vicinity of the interface. The decay of the pulse strength is determined by the friction, where the propagation distance can reach several interparticle distances for small damping rate. The dependence of the dynamics of the background particles in the vicinity of the interface on the penetration direction implies that the disparity of the mobility may be the cause of various interfacial effects.

Automated summary

This study investigates the penetration of a supersonic particle at the interface in a binary complex plasma, based on experiments and Langevin dynamics simulations. The formation of a Mach cone structure and propagation of pulse-like perturbation were observed, with the decay of pulse strength determined by friction. The dynamics of background particles near the interface are dependent on penetration direction, suggesting that mobility disparity might cause various interfacial effects.