Kink-induced transport and segregation in oscillated granular layers

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Date
2003-09-26Author
Moon, Sung Joon
Goldman, Daniel I.
Swift, J. B.
Swinney, Harry L.
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We use experiments and molecular dynamics simulations of vertically oscillated granular layers to study horizontal particle segregation induced by a kink (a boundary between domains oscillating out of phase). Counterrotating convection rolls carry the larger particles in a bidisperse layer along the granular surface to a kink, where they become trapped. The convection originates from avalanches that occur inside the layer, along the interface between solidified and fluidized grains. The position of a kink can be controlled by modulation of the container frequency, making possible systematic harvesting of the larger particles.