Distribution of dissipated energy in a multi-size granular system under vertical vibration

• We studied the segregation behaviors of the multi-size granular particle systems.
• We observed and defined the stable hybrid convection mode.
• The model of dissipated energy distribution was introduced.
• The model is potential in describing more complex multi-size particle systems.

We studied the segregation behavior of multi-size granular particles enclosed in a vertically vibrated container. In the experiment, we applied three kinds of 13X molecular sieve particles. The diameters of these particles are approximately 1:3:6 in the multi-size granular system. Under vibration, the system finally forms a stable hybrid convection mode, and the apparent tendency of the Brazilian nut (BN) effect occurs. The dissipated energy distribution model was introduced, in which the multi-size system was compared with the species competition system. We demonstrated that each kind of particle's top free surface area occupation percentage approximately equals its dissipated energy power percentage in the entire system. The results calculated according to the model well matched the experimental results.

In vibration, the dissipated energy in the multi-size granular system is distributed to each kind of particle, and the distribution rate is decided by vibration and system parameters.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide