Spatial Force Correlations in 3D Granular Flow .

ORAL

Abstract

We measure the force delivered at four locations on the boundary of a 3D flow of mono-disperse glass spheres in a vertical, cylindrical chute. A variable opening at the bottom is used to change the flow velocity v$_{f}$ from 3 to 30cm/s. The force is measured at 80KHz, allowing us to resolve individual collisions. We measure two-point spatial correlations in the flow direction and normal to it. The equal-time correlation between forces that are higher than a threshold shows a weak but measurable spatial correlation. This correlation shows no spatial directionality or dependence on flow rate. The time correlations are synchronous between diametrically opposed locations, and shifted in time between locations along the flow. From the time-lag we determine that the correlations are carried up the flow at speeds $\sim $ 1000 v$_{f}$ . This speed increases as the flow approaches jamming.

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Authors

  • Nalini Easwar

    Smith College, Northampton, MA, Smith College, Northampton, MA.

  • Kelsey Hattam

    Smith College, Northampton, MA, Smith College, Northampton, MA.

  • Efrosyni Seitaridou

    Smith College, Northampton, MA.

  • Alisa Stratulat

    Smith College, Northampton, MA.

  • Narayanan Menon

    University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, University of Massachusetts, Dept. of Physics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA., Dept of Physics, UMass Amherst, U. of Massachusetts, Amherst, UMass, Amherst