A new technique for electromagnetic characterization of spherical dust molecular cloud equilibrium structure

We propose a new technique after the modified Lane–Emden equation to explore the electromagnetic properties of spherically symmetric dust molecular cloud (DMC) in field-free hydroelectrostatic equilibrium. Its subsequent characterization on the Jeans scale is made analytically and numerically. The lowest order cloud surface boundary (CSB) by the electric field maximization, E⩽0.15T/eλJ=4.85×10-7Vm-1, lies at a radial distance ξ = 3.50λJ = 1.08 × 109 m. The basic physics of the CSB formation is explored. It is interestingly observed that the CSB is biased with electrostatic potential θ ∼ −0.34T/e (=−340 V) due to plasma boundary wall interaction, and plasma sheath–sheath coupling processes because sheath exists with each dust grain in plasma background. The net CSB charge comes out as Q ∼ −6.83 × 10−1 C. The major results are found to be in qualitative agreement with the existing models. Main conclusions of astrophysical importance and future applicability are briefly presented.

Graphical abstractIn this contribution we propose a new technique after the modified Lane–Emden equation to explore the electromagnetic properties of spherically symmetric dust molecular cloud (DMC) in field-free hydroelectrostatic equilibrium. The lowest order cloud surface boundary (CSB) is determined by electric field maximization. Its subsequent characterization on the Jeans scale is carried out in detail.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► DMC boundary characterized. ►Boundary formed by plasma wall interaction. ► E-field reversibility.