title: Effects of packing density on the segregative behaviors of granular systems.
abstract: We present results concerning the important role of system packing in the processes of density- and inelasticity-induced segregation in vibrofluidized binary granular beds. Data are acquired through a combination of experimental results acquired from positron emission particle tracking and simulations performed using the discrete particle method. It is found that segregation due to inelasticity differences between particle species is most pronounced in moderately dense systems, yet still exerts a significant effect in all but the highest density systems. Results concerning segregation due to disparities in particles' material densities show that the maximal degree to which a system can achieve segregation is directly related to the density of the system, while the rate at which segregation occurs shows an inverse relation. Based on this observation, a method of minimizing the time and energy requirements associated with producing a fully segregated system is proposed.
authors.affiliation: School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: C R K
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Windows-Yule
authors.affiliation: Multiscale Mechanics (MSM), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Weinhart
authors.affiliation: School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: Multiscale Mechanics (MSM) and Mathematics of Computational Science (MaCS), (MESA+), CTW, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Thornton