Sinking a Granular Raft.
We report experiments that yield new insights on the behavior of granular rafts at an oil-water interface. We show that these particle aggregates can float or sink depending on dimensionless parameters taking into account the particle densities and size and the densities of the two fluids. We characterize the raft shape and stability and propose a model to predict its shape and maximum length to remain afloat. Finally we find that wrinkles and folds appear along the raft due to compression by its own weight, which can trigger destabilization. These features are characteristics of an elastic instability, which we discuss, including the limitations of our model.
CNRS UMR 7190, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Institut Jean Le Rond d'Alembert, F-75005 Paris, France.
Suzie
S
Protière
CNRS UMR 7190, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Institut Jean Le Rond d'Alembert, F-75005 Paris, France.
Christophe
C
Josserand
Numerica Corporation, 5042 Technology Parkway, Suite 100, Fort Collins, Colorado 80528, USA.
Jeffrey M
JM
Aristoff
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA.
Howard A
HA
Stone
CNRS UMR 5048, University Montpellier, Centre de Biochimie Structurale, 34090 Montpellier, France.
Manouk
M
Abkarian