Modeling Segregation in Modulated Granular Flow

Abstract

We consider unsteady segregating granular flows, focusing on stratification in bidisperse bounded heap flow. Experiments indicate that periodically changing the feed rate of particles falling onto the upstream portion of the heap results in a stratified segregation much like that which occurs at low feed rates, but with more regular stratified layers of large and small particles and a higher overall feed flow rate. Experiments clarify how a front of large particle at a high feed rate deposits a layer of large particles that is subsequently covered over by a layer of small particles during a low feed rate, thus generating layers of large and small particles. The stratification can be modelled using a version of an advection-segregation-diffusion equation with a segregation velocity. Simply repeatedly switching the model from a low volume flow rate to a high volume flow rate instantaneously along the entire length of the flowing layer results in stratification patterns that are similar to those observed in experiments. Using a modulated feed rate offers the potential to intentionally create extended layers of bidisperse granular materials to enhance the effective degree of mixing of the deposited materials at heap length scales.