Velocity distributions and density fluctuations in a granular gas.
Velocity distributions in a vibrated granular monolayer are investigated experimentally. Non-Gaussian velocity distributions are observed at low vibration amplitudes but cross over smoothly to Gaussian distributions as the amplitude is increased. Cross-correlations between fluctuations in density and temperature are present only when the velocity distributions are strongly non-Gaussian. Confining the expansion of the granular layer results in non-Gaussian velocity distributions that persist to high vibration amplitudes.
Olafsen
J S
JS
Department of Physics, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057, USA. olafsen@physics.georogetown.edu
Urbach
J S
JS