Rene Mikkelsen

Competitive clustering in a bidisperse granular gas.

A bidisperse granular gas in a compartmentalized system is experimentally found to cluster competitively: Depending on the shaking strength, the clustering can be directed either towards the compartment initially containing mainly small particles or to the one containing mainly large particles. The experimental observations are quantitatively explained within a flux model.

Granular eruptions: Void collapse and Jet Formation

Upon impact, sand is blown away in all directions, forming a splash. The ball digs a cylindrical void in the sand and the jet is formed when this void collapses: The focused sand pressure pushes the jet straight up into the air. When the jet comes down again, it breaks up into fragments, i.e., granular clusters. For sufficiently high impact velocity, air is entrained by the collapsing void, forming an air bubble in the sand. This bubble slowly rises to the surface, and upon reaching it causes a granular eruption. This looks like a boiling liquid, or even a volcano! Gallery of Fluid Motion Award-winning entry 2002

Competetive clustering in a Bidisperse granular gas

A bidisperse granular gas in a compartmentalized system is experimentally found to cluster competitively: Depending on the shaking strength, the clustering can be directed either towards the compartment initially containing mainly small particles or to the one containing mainly large particles. The experimental observations are quantitatively explained within a flux model.