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Midair Collisions Enhance Saltation

M. V. Carneiro, N. A. M. Araújo, T. Pähtz, and H. J. Herrmann
Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 058001 – Published 2 August 2013
Physics logo See Focus story: Colliding Grains Make Stronger Sandstorms
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Abstract

Here we address the old question in aeolian particle transport about the role of midair collisions. We find that, surprisingly, these collisions do enhance the overall flux substantially. The effect depends strongly on restitution coefficient and wind speed. We can explain this observation as a consequence of a soft bed of grains which floats above the ground and reflects the highest flying particles. We make the unexpected observation that the flux is maximized at an intermediate restitution coefficient of about 0.7, which is comparable to values experimentally measured for collisions between sand grains.

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  • Received 19 December 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.058001

© 2013 American Physical Society

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Colliding Grains Make Stronger Sandstorms

Published 2 August 2013

Midair collisions between grains in a sandstorm drastically increase the strength of the storm, according to simulations, suggesting a central role for collisions.

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Authors & Affiliations

M. V. Carneiro1, N. A. M. Araújo1, T. Pähtz2,3, and H. J. Herrmann1,4

  • 1Institut für Baustoffe, ETH-Hönggerberg, Schafmattstrasse 6, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
  • 2Ocean College, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, China
  • 3State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceonography, 310012 Hangzhou, China
  • 4Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, 60451-970 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

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Issue

Vol. 111, Iss. 5 — 2 August 2013

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