Analysis of instantaneous dynamic states of vibrated granular materials

The behavior of granular materials subjected to continuous vertical vibrations is dependent on a variety of factors, including how energetically the containment vessel is shaken as well as particle properties. Motivation for the investigation reported here is based on phenomenon in which bulk solids attain an increase in density upon relaxation. The results of a detailed, discrete element study designed to examine the dynamic state of a granular material is presented, in which particles are represented as inelastic, frictional spheres. The phase in which the assembly finds itself immediately before vibrations are stopped is quantified by computing depth profiles of the translational energy ratio R in conjunction with profiles of solids fraction ν and granular temperature T. The use of particles that are more frictional tends to hinder or delay thermalization, while particle restitution coefficient plays a role when the flow is collision dominated. The structure before vibrations are applied plays an important role in determining the depth profiles and the phase pattern only at low accelerations. On the other hand, large accelerations can easily dislodge the poured configuration very quickly so that the initial condition is not major factor in the phase pattern.