Granular flow regimes in rotating drums from depth-integrated theory

Phys Rev E. 2016 Mar;93(3):030902. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.93.030902. Epub 2016 Mar 28.

Abstract

Granular flows in rotating drums transition between two regimes characterized by straight and curved free surfaces. Here we predict this behavior using a depth-integrated theory applicable to general eroding flows. Closure is achieved by a local μ(I) rheology and an equation for kinetic energy. Spanning the transition, the theory yields relations for all flow properties in terms of a single dimensionless rotation rate. In accord with experiments, distinct scaling laws are obtained for slow and fast rates, dominated respectively by local energy dissipation and longitudinal energy transfer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.