Motion Characteristics of a Fine-Particle Assembly in a Laterally Vibrated Box under Microgravity [Translated]†

Abstract

The present work describes the behavior of fine particles in a laterally vibrated box under microgravity and shows the effects of vibrating conditions and particle concentration on particle motion characteristics. During the 10 seconds of microgravity provided by a drop capsule, particles 51 μm in mass median diameter rose along walls vibrating at 75 to 150 Hz and dispersed into the box's central region. Propagation of momentum from the vibrating walls to the particles was controlled by frequency and particle concentration in the dispersed phase. With a small charge, static clusters were formed due to the restricted propagation of momentum. But with a high particle concentration or at a high frequency, the enhanced propagation resulted in the formation of dynamic clusters, which were transitional assemblies of moving particles. It was found that there was a saturated concentration of dispersed particles in the fully developed vibrating state. High particle concentration caused supersaturation and the formation of new beds from dispersed particles.† This report was originally printed in J. Soc. Powder Technology, Japan. 36(10), 742-749 (1999) in Japanese, before being translated into English by KONA Editorial Committee with the permission of the editorial committee of the Soc. Powder Technology, Japan.

Keywords

• microgravity
• solids dispersion
• particle collision
• lateral vibration