Collective effects in vortex movements in complex plasmas.
We study the onset and characteristics of vortices in complex (dusty) plasmas using two-dimensional simulations in a setup modeled after the PK-3 Plus laboratory. A small number of microparticles initially self-arranges in a monolayer around the void. As additional particles are introduced, an extended system of vortices develops due to a nonzero curl of the plasma forces. We demonstrate a shear-thinning effect in the vortices. Velocity structure functions and the energy and enstrophy spectra show that vortex flow turbulence is present that is in essence of the "classical" Kolmogorov type.
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA and Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, P.O. Box 1312, Giessenbachstraße, 85741 Garching, Germany.
Mierk
M
Schwabe
Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, P.O. Box 1312, Giessenbachstraße, 85741 Garching, Germany.
Sergey
S
Zhdanov
Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, P.O. Box 1312, Giessenbachstraße, 85741 Garching, Germany.
Christoph
C
Räth
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.
David B
DB
Graves
Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, P.O. Box 1312, Giessenbachstraße, 85741 Garching, Germany.
Hubertus M
HM
Thomas
Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, P.O. Box 1312, Giessenbachstraße, 85741 Garching, Germany.
Gregor E
GE
Morfill
D003198:Computer Simulation; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D053758:Nanoparticles; D010316:Particle Size; D044367:Phase Transition; D058626:Plasma Gases
D058626:Plasma Gases