Non-Hamiltonian dynamics of grains with spatially varying charges

Dynamics of particles with spatially varying charges is studied. It is shown that the motion cannot be described in terms of the Hamiltonian formalism. Strong interparticle interactions give rise to unusual features of the dynamics, e.g., they can cause self-sustaining nonlinear oscillations triggered at finite frictional dissipation. The comprehensive analysis of the non-Hamiltonian dynamics is carried out analytically and numerically by employing a one-dimensional chain of charged particles as a model system. Analysis of available experimental data is performed and implications to strongly coupled complex (dusty) plasmas are discussed.