Virial theorem for an inhomogeneous medium, boundary conditions for the wave functions, and stress tensor in quantum statistics.

On the basis of the stationary Schrödinger equation, the virial theorem in an inhomogeneous external field for the canonical ensemble is proved. It is shown that the difference in the form of virial theorem is conditioned by the value of the wave-function derivative on the surface of the volume, surrounding the system under consideration. The stress tensor in such a system is determined by the average values of the wave-function space derivatives.

Diffusion in a time-dependent external field.

The problem of diffusion in a time-dependent (and generally inhomogeneous) external field is considered on the basis of a generalized master equation with two times, introduced by Trigger and co-authors [S. A. Trigger, G. J. F. van Heijst, and P. P. J. M. Schram, Physica A 347, 77 (2005); J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 11, 37 (2005)]. We consider the case of the quasi-Fokker-Planck approximation, when the probability transition function for diffusion (PTD function) does not possess a long tail in coordinate space and can be expanded as a function of instantaneous displacements. The more complicated case of long tails in the PTD will be discussed separately. We also discuss diffusion on the basis of hydrodynamic and kinetic equations and show the validity of the phenomenological approach. A type of "collision" integral is introduced for the description of diffusion in a system of particles, which can transfer from a moving state to the rest state (with some waiting time distribution). The solution of the appropriate kinetic equation in the external field also confirms the phenomenological approach of the generalized master equation.

Kinetic theory of Jeans instability.

Kinetic treatment of the Jeans gravitational instability, with collisions taken into account, is presented. The initial-value problem for the distribution function which obeys the kinetic equation, with the collision integral conserving the number of particles, is solved. Dispersion relation is obtained and analyzed. New modes are found. Collisions are shown not to affect the Jeans instability criterion. Although the instability growth rate diminishes, the collisions they cannot quench the instability. However, the oscillation spectrum is modified significantly: even in the neighborhood of the threshold frequency omega=0 (separating stable and unstable modes) the spectrum of oscillations can strongly depend on the collision frequency. Propagating (rather than aperiodic) modes are also found. These modes, however, are strongly damped.

Statistical theory of dusty plasmas: microscopic equations and Bogolyubov-Born-Green-Kirkwood-Yvon hierarchy.

Basic principles of statistical theory of dusty plasmas are formulated with regard for electron and ion absorption by dust particles. Rigorous microscopic equations are introduced and employed to derive the BBGKY hierarchy and kinetic equations. The charging processes are shown to induce a considerable modification of both microscopic and kinetic equations for plasma particles and grains. In the approximation of dominant influence of charging collisions, explicit kinetic equations are derived and applied to calculate stationary distributions of grain velocities and charges.

Nonhomogeneity of dusty crystals and plasma diagnostics.

Real dusty crystals are inhomogeneous due to the presence of external forces. We suggest approximations for calculations of different types of inhomogeneous dust crystals (DC's) (chain and DC's with a few slabs) in the equilibrium state. The results are in a good agreement with experimental results and can be used as an effective diagnostic method for many dusty systems.