Investigations into the role of electrostatics in the transport of dust particles

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA

^* Corresponding author: daniel.lacks@case.edu

Abstract

We describe the results of three sets of laboratory experiments that were carried out to elucidate the role of electrostatic forces in dust transport. First, we address the lifting of particles in an electric field; we determine the charges of individual particles that are lifted, and by showing that these charges are in quantitative agreement with a first principles (no-fitting-parameter) model, we demonstrate that neutral particles can be lifted by an induction mechanism. Second, we address the trajectory of already-lofted particles in an electric field, and show that the electric field acts to enhance the concentration of larger particles at higher elevations. Third, we address the time-scale of the decay of charge on particles, in regard to the question of the relevance of charge on long-distance dust transport; we show that, at least under certain circumstances, charge can remain on particles for days to weeks.