| A computer model of the electrical and thermal properties of an interplanetary dust particle (IDP) has been developed. The IDP is treated as a spherical grain consisting of a matrix material which may incorporate inclusions of a dissimilar material. Finite difference techniques model the heat energy and charge transport. Bulk electrical charge, potential, and temperature are calculated as a function of time. An ensemble of particles are subjected to environments of varying radiation densities, e.g. the Earth's magnetosphere. Results are examined and discussed. Recommendations for further theoretical and experimental work are given. |
