Depinning and evolution of charged dust particles in the presence of external force.

• The evolution of massive charged dust particles initially lattice-like pinned at randomly distributed pin sites in the presence of an external force. • Three states can appear as the force is increased, namely the pinned, plastic flow, and moving lattice state. • Transition from a moving lattice state to a plastic flow state can occur under sufficiently large external force. We consider the evolution of massive charged dust particles initially lattice-like pinned at randomly distributed pin sites in the presence of an external force. Two-dimensional molecular dynamics simulation shows that three states, namely the pinned, plastic flow, and moving-lattice state can appear as the force is increased. It is also found that the pinned state does not appear at high dust kinetic temperatures. Moreover, transition from a moving lattice state to a plastic-flow state can occur under sufficiently large external force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]