The propagation of a dust-ion-acoustic wave (DIAW) wave down the steep density gradient in an inhomogeneous diffusive dusty plasma is experimentally studied. It is observed that the presence of the dust enhances the plasma inhomogeneity. The phase velocity of the DIAW increases rapidly with distance and becomes supersonic. The interplay between the effects of the density nonuniformity and collisional damping results in the continuous transition of the relative amplitude of the DIAW from damping to growth. The experimental data are in agreement with theoretical prediction and confirm the importance of density-dependent ion–dust collisions.
The distribution and suspension of dust particles under the action of electrostatic, gravitational, ion-drag and neutral collision forces are investigated near the boundary of a dusty plasma. It is shown that the competition among the forces results in spatial oscillations (multi-layer) of the particle distribution. For sub-micron grains the ion-drag has a significant effect on the grain dynamics while for micrometer sized grains the gravity quickly dominates over other forces. The effect of the neutral gas flux is to enhance or diminish that of the gravity while the effect of the neutral viscosity is to shift the profile toward the wall. Under the force balance, the particles are suspended in a narrow region with sharp boundaries within the sheath.
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