Reduction of clogging of vibrated grains passing through a narrow aperture by the addition of low-friction particles

We study the flow of grains under vibration passing through a small aperture in two dimensions using discrete element method simulations. Such systems are prone to clogging and strategies to ease the flow are desirable in multiple applications. We show that the addition of low-friction particles to the system can reduce clogging and lead to an enhancement of the net flux of the original species. Along with the role of the particle friction, we analyze the influence of both the size of the added particles and the mixing ratio. We consider systems with constant height of the granular column (using particle reinjection) as well as processes of fully emptying the containing hopper.

Stress propagation in locally loaded packings of disks and pentagons

The mechanical strength and flow of granular materials can depend strongly on the shapes of individual grains. We report quantitative results obtained from photoelasticimetry experiments on locally loaded, quasi-two-dimensional granular packings of either disks or pentagons exhibiting stick-slip dynamics. Packings of pentagons resist the intruder at significantly lower packing fractions than packings of disks, transmitting stresses from the intruder to the boundaries over a smaller spatial extent. Moreover, packings of pentagons feature significantly fewer back-bending force chains than packings of disks. Data obtained on the forward spatial extent of stresses and back-bending force chains collapse when the packing fraction is rescaled according to the packing fraction of steady state open channel formation, though data on intruder forces and dynamics do not collapse. We comment on the influence of system size on these findings and highlight connections with the dynamics of the disks and pentagons during slip events.

Enhancement of the flow of vibrated grains through narrow apertures by addition of small particles

We analyze the flow and clogging of circular grains passing through a small aperture under vibration in two dimensions. Via discrete element method simulations, we show that when grains smaller than the original ones are introduced in the system as an additive, the net flow of the original species can be significantly increased. Moreover, there is an optimal radius of the additive particles that maximizes the effect. This finding may constitute the basis for technological applications not only concerning the flow of granular materials but also regarding active matter, including pedestrian evacuation.

Self-assembly of self-propelled magnetic grains

In this work, we study bidisperse mixtures of self-propelled magnetic particles of different shapes via discrete element method simulations. We show how these particles self-assemble into clusters and how these clusters depend on the ratio of the mixture, the magnetic interaction, and the shape of the grains. It is found that the mix ratio of the system controls the cluster size. Besides, the intensity of the magnetic dipoles and the shape of the grains in the mixture rule the average number of neighbors in contact and the shape of the clusters. By varying the intensity of the interactions, globular, linear and branched clusters were obtained.

Differential equation for the flow rate of discharging silos based on energy balance

Since the early work of Hagen [G. H. L. Hagen, Ber. Verhandl. K. Preuss. Akad. Wiss. Berlin 17, 35 (1852)] and Beverloo et al. [W. Beverloo et al., Chem. Eng. Sci. 15, 260 (1961)CESCAC0009-250910.1016/0009-2509(61)85030-6], the flow rate of granular material discharging through a circular orifice from a silo has been described by means of dimensional analysis and experimental fits and explained through the free-fall arch model. Here, in contrast to the traditional approach, we derive a differential equation based on the energy balance of the system. This equation is consistent with the well-known Beverloo rule due to a compensation of energy terms. Moreover, this equation can be used to explore different conditions for silo discharges. In particular, we show how the effect of friction on the flow rate can be predicted. The theory is validated using discrete element method simulations.