Simulation of cohesive fine powders under a plane shear

Abstract

Three-dimensional molecular-dynamics simulations of cohesive dissipative powders under a plane shear are performed. We find the various phases depending on the dimensionless shear rate and the dissipation rate as well as the density. We also find that the shape of clusters depends on the initial condition of velocities of particles when the dissipation is large. Our simple stochastic model reproduces the non-Gaussian velocity distribution function appearing in the coexistence phase of a gas and a plate.