Self-diffusion of particles in gas-driven granular layers with periodic flow modulation.
We study self-diffusion of particles in gas-driven granular layers by high-speed fluorescent video microscopy. We show that periodic flow modulation results in an enhancement of the particle's diffusion. The diffusion enhancement, which in turn is an indication of more efficient fluidization of the granular layer, is associated with the onset of disordered subharmonic patterns. Our measurements provide a sensitive characterization method of the fluidization properties of particulate-gas systems.
Orellana
C S
CS
Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439, USA.
Aranson
I S
IS
Kwok
W-K
WK
Rica
S
S