Kink-induced transport and segregation in oscillated granular layers

Phys Rev Lett. 2003 Sep 26;91(13):134301. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.91.134301. Epub 2003 Sep 24.

Abstract

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.