Quasi-Gaussian velocity distribution of a vibrated granular bilayer system.
We investigate using a discrete element method the kinetic properties of a system composed of a bilayer of granular spheres submitted to a vertical vibration. For moderate dimensionless acceleration, no mixing between layers is observed and the horizontal velocity distributions of the top-layer particles with are quasi-Gaussian. The robustness of this phenomenon is examined for a variety of physical parameters (acceleration of the bottom plate, mass ratio, layer coverage, etc.). A microscopic analysis of the simulation dynamics leads to a simple picture of the underlying mechanisms.
Burdeau
Alexis
A
Laboratoire de Physique Théorique de la Matière Condensée, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 4 Place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France.
Viot
Pascal
P