title: Microstructure evolution in density relaxation by tapping.
abstract: The density relaxation phenomenon is modeled using both Monte Carlo and discrete element simulations to investigate the effects of regular taps applied to a vessel having a planar floor filled with monodisperse spheres. Results suggest the existence of a critical tap intensity which produces a maximum bulk solids fraction. We find that the mechanism responsible for the relaxation phenomenon is an evolving ordered packing structure propagating upwards from the plane floor.
authors.affiliation: Granular Science Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, USA.
authors.forename: Anthony D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Rosato
authors.forename: Oleksandr
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Dybenko
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Horntrop
authors.forename: Vishagan
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ratnaswamy
authors.forename: Lou
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kondic