Grainsize evolution in open systems

Abstract

Granular flows are often characterised by spatial and temporal variations in their grainsize distribution. These variations are generally measured by geologists and geotechnical engineers after a flow has occurred, and two limiting states are commonly found; either a power law or log-normal grainsize distribution. Here, we use a lattice model to study how the grainsize distribution evolves in granular systems subject to grain crushing, segregation and mixing simultaneously. We show how the grainsize distribution evolves towards either of these grainsize distributions depending on the mechanisms involved in the flow.