Numerical Modeling Of Convective Motion In Granular Materials

Abstract

Numerical modeling of convection of powder was performed. Convection of powder occurs when a strong vertical vibration is applied. When the control parameter, the acceleration amplitude Γ, exceeds some critical value Γ£, convection and heaping start. In our simulation, the powder is modeled with a discrete elementary method but without rotation and with isotropic linear visco-elastic interaction. The convection is reproduced and rc turns out to be about the gravity acceleration g, which agrees with experimental findings. Another remarkable phenomena, surface fluidization, is also reproduced and the critical value rc again agrees with experimental findings. It is suggested that this convection is caused by the instability of powder induced by the elastic interaction. © 1984, Brill. All rights reserved.