Dusty and Self-Gravitational Plasmas in Space (Astrophysics and Space Science Library)

This book is the first monograph dealing with dusty and self- gravitational plasmas. It is focused on collective effects in the dusty plasma, with allowance for gravitational interaction between dust grains which was not given much attention in the literature until now. Other features include charging of dust particles under various physical conditions and the motion of dust particles under the joint action of electromagnetic and gravitation fields (gravitoelectrodynamics). Waves in isotropic and magnetized dusty plasmas are considered in both linear and nonlinear theory. Wave scattering and various plasma instabilities are discussed. The theoretical developments are tied to astrophysical observations, in particular the role played by dusty plasma in the structure formation of planetary rings is analyzed. Several theories are reviewed and a new hypothesis for the origin of `spokes' in Saturn's rings is presented. Audience: The book is addressed to graduate and research physicists working in plasma physics and astrophysics.