Dynamics of a collisional magnetized plasma sheath with non-thermal electrons, multi-component positive ions and charged dust: a fluid model analysis

The properties of a collisional magnetized plasma sheath containing non-thermal electrons, multi-component ions ( He⁺ and Ar⁺ ), neutral atoms and negatively charged dust particles are analysed. Using a one-dimensional fluid model, the parametric changes in sheath dynamics are investigated in the presence of nanometre-sized charged dust particles and an oblique magnetic field. The influence of charged dust, ionization, ion–neutral collisions, ion loss and non-thermal electrons on sheath parameters such as ion densities, velocities, electron density and potential is explored through theoretical modelling and numerical analysis. The results indicate that the ion density ( He⁺ and Ar⁺ ) increases throughout the sheath region with rising ionization frequency in the absence of charged dust. However, when charged dust is present, the density of He⁺ ions decreases while the density of Ar⁺ ions increases, exhibiting a sharp peak near the sheath edge. It is also noted that the increase in ion–neutral collision frequency enhances the density, particularly near the sheath edge. Additionally, the presence of non-thermal electrons initially leads to an increase in ion density near the sheath edge, followed by a decrease within the sheath region. A qualitative explanation of the above phenomena, which occur due to different physical parameters, is provided.