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Kink-induced transport and segregation in oscillated granular layers

Sung Joon Moon·Daniel I. Goldman·J. B. Swift·Harry L. Swinney
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Abstract

We use experiments and molecular dynamics simulations of vertically oscillated granular layers to study horizontal particle segregation induced by a kink (a boundary between domains oscillating out of phase). Counter-rotating convection rolls carry the larger particles in a bidisperse layer along the granular surface to a kink, where they become trapped. The convection originates from avalanches that occur inside the layer, along the interface between solidified and fluidized grains. The position of a kink can be controlled by modulation of the container frequency, making possible systematic harvesting of the larger particles.

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Sung Joon Moon, Daniel I. Goldman, J. B. Swift, Harry L. Swinney. 2003-08-19. Kink-induced transport and segregation in oscillated granular layers. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.91.134301

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