Vibration-induced granular segregation: a phenomenon driven by three mechanisms

The segregation of large spheres in a granular bed under vertical vibrations is studied. In our experiments, we systematically measure rise times as a function of density, diameter, and depth, for two different sinusoidal excitations. The measurements reveal that, at low frequencies, inertia and con...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPhysical review letters Vol. 92; no. 11; p. 114301
Main Authors Huerta, D A, Ruiz-Suárez, J C
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 19.03.2004
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Summary:The segregation of large spheres in a granular bed under vertical vibrations is studied. In our experiments, we systematically measure rise times as a function of density, diameter, and depth, for two different sinusoidal excitations. The measurements reveal that, at low frequencies, inertia and convection are the only mechanisms behind segregation. Inertia (convection) dominates when the relative density is greater (less) than one. At high frequencies, where convection is suppressed, fluidization of the granular bed causes either buoyancy or sinkage and segregation occurs.
ISSN:0031-9007
DOI:10.1103/physrevlett.92.114301