Origin of density clustering in a freely evolving granular gas

Abstract

The physical mechanisms leading to the development of density inhomogeneities in a freely evolving low density granular gas are investigated. By means of the direct simulation Monte Carlo method, numerical solutions of the inelastic Boltzmann equation are constructed for both a perturbed system and also for an initially homogeneous state. Analysis of the Fourier components of the fields indicates that the nonlinear coupling contributions of the transversal velocity play a crucial role in the initial setup of clustering. A simple hydrodynamic model is proposed to describe what is observed in the simulations. Finally, the nature of the inhomogeneous state is briefly discussed. © 1999 The American Physical Society.