A simple electrodynamic model of a dust devil

We present an electrodynamic model of a dust devil applying a similar methodology as performed previously for charging in terrestrial thunderstorms. While thunderstorm processes focus on inductive charging between large graupel and smaller ice and water droplets, we tailor the model to focus on the electric charge transfer between dust grains of different sizes and compositions. We specifically compare and contrast the triboelectric dust charging processes presented previously in Melnik and Parrot [1998] and Desch and Cuzzi [2000] in the development of macroscopic dust devil electric fields. We find that large vertical E-fields (∼20 kV/m) can develop in the devil. © 2003 by the American Geophysical Union.

Duke Scholars

Author Steven A. Cummer Electrical and Computer Engineering