Static and Dynamic Behaviors of Fine Particles in a Plasma under Microgravity Condition

Fine particle behaviors in a plasma conditions were investigated under microgravity conditions using drop experiment facility and parabolic flight. By static analysis of fine particle arrangement, radially aligned fine particles were observed under microgravity. From the dynamic behavior of a fine particle, an acceleration force in a plasma under microgravity was analyzed to be in the range of 10-17 N, which is much smaller than estimated value from ion drag and electrostatic forces in the range of 10-14 N. A new control method of fine particle behavior is shown