Transport Properties and Segregation Phenomena in Vibrating Granular Beds

Abstract

Granular materials are common in daily life and in many industrial processes. Both fundamental research and industrial application studies are crucial for understanding the transport properties and segregation mechanisms of vibrating granular beds. One major related research topic is granular materials subjected to external vibration; such granular materials exhibit complex movement and Brazil nut segregation. Understanding the transport properties and the rising of an intruder immersed in granular materials is a challenge in granular flow research. This paper presents a review of transport properties and segregation phenomena in a vibrating granular bed, and discusses the relationship between transport properties and granular segregation. Furthermore, how the vibration conditions, liquid bridge force, bed height, surface roughness of granular materials, and a bumpy base of granular beds affect the transport properties, convection, and granular segregation are reported. The results indicate that the transport properties and segregation behavior are significantly influenced by the addition of small amounts of liquids and by the surface roughness and a bumpy base. Diffusive and convective motions are weakened as the base roughness increases, leading to a weaker Brazil nut effect.

Keywords

• granular flows
• vibrating granular beds
• transport properties
• convection
• granular segregation
• surface roughness