Gravitational Sedimentation and Rebound of Strongly Coupled Dusty Plasma Crystals: A Molecular Dynamics Study

Abstract

The gravitational sedimentation of strongly coupled dusty plasma crystals is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Initially, the dust particles are levitated by the balance between the upward external electric field and gravity. Sedimentation is initiated by removing the electric field, allowing the particles to settle collectively under gravity while interacting through the Yukawa (screened Coulomb) potential. Single-layer, AB-stacked bilayer, and ABA-stacked trilayer crystals are investigated to examine the influence of crystal geometry on the sedimentation dynamics. All crystal configurations undergo collective gravitational settling while preserving their in-plane hexagonal ordering during the initial stages of sedimentation. Upon collision with a reflecting boundary, the multilayer crystals undergo transient interlayer compression followed by sequential momentum transfer between neighboring layers, producing coherent collective rebound. In particular, the trilayer exhibits sequential layer-by-layer momentum propagation from the lower to the middle and finally to the upper layer. During successive sedimentation--rebound cycles, repeated interlayer interactions progressively degrade the initial ABA stacking while preserving the collective mechanical response of the crystal. These results demonstrate that strong Yukawa coupling enables multilayer dusty plasma crystals to sustain repeated impacts while maintaining coherent collective motion despite gradual structural evolution. The present study provides a particle-resolved description of gravitational sedimentation in multilayer dusty plasma crystals and offers a theoretical framework for interpreting laboratory experiments following the removal of electrostatic confinement.