Dynamics of electrostatically driven granular media: effects of humidity

We performed experimental studies of the effect of humidity on the dynamics of electrostatically driven granular materials. Both conducting and dielectric particles undergo a phase transition from an immobile state (granular solid) to a fluidized state (granular gas) with increasing applied field. S...

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Published inPhysical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics Vol. 63; no. 5 Pt 1; p. 050301
Main Authors Howell, D W, Aronson, I S, Crabtree, G W
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.2001
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Summary:We performed experimental studies of the effect of humidity on the dynamics of electrostatically driven granular materials. Both conducting and dielectric particles undergo a phase transition from an immobile state (granular solid) to a fluidized state (granular gas) with increasing applied field. Spontaneous precipitation of solid clusters from the gas phase occurs as the external driving is decreased. The clustering dynamics in conducting particles is primarily controlled by screening of the electric field but is aided by cohesion due to humidity. It is shown that humidity effects dominate the clustering process with dielectric particles.
ISSN:1539-3755
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevE.63.050301