Matthews, LorinTerrell, AbbieBaylor University.2023-05-222023-05-2220232023-05-22https://hdl.handle.net/2104/12248Complex, or dusty, plasmas are ionized gases in which nanometer-to-micrometer sized microparticles are suspended. When dust particles are introduced in the plasma environment, they become negatively charged and interact with each other and the plasma background, self-organizing into stable structures. These far-from-equilibrium systems serve as a useful model system to study processes of self-organization in other complex systems. This thesis focuses on the numerical modeling of the Plasma Kristall-4 (PK-4) experiment, currently on board the International Space Station, through an N-body Molecular Dynamics simulation called DRIAD (Dynamic Response of Ions and Dust). It is shown that the dust cloud undergoes a phase transition that is studied quantitatively in multiple dimensions. The dust phase transition exemplifies the presence of analogous systems in physics, leading to a discussion of the relevance of studying physical phenomena though model systems.en-USBaylor University projects are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.ThesisWorldwide access