Electrodynamics in an electric cusp and a new type of particle acceleration by electric reconnection

Summary form only given, as follows. This paper discusses a subject of 'Electrodynamics in an Electric Cusp and a New Type of Particle Acceleration by Electric Reconnection'. First of all, electric potential and field perturbed by a spherical conducting particle placed in an idealized electric cusp with a quadrupole configuration are obtained Then a general prescription to particle dynamics in such a cusp is given on the basis of both Newtonian and Hamiltonian descriptions, introducing a new electric force arising from induced charges in the form of a tiny quadrupole. Particle trajectory, velocity, and acceleration are obtained analytically when a dust particle is placed in the zodiacal plane. It is found that a new type of particle acceleration may occur in an electric cusp and inside the quadrupole, even though the particle is uncharged, as a result of an energy release of electrostatic energy and its conversion to kinetic energy of the particle. In particular, its trajectory, velocity, and acceleration are evaluated numerically in a graphical form with particular reference to planetary ring formation due to upward motion of dust particles above a ground for horizontal electrification of planetary clouds.