Abstract
We measure time-averaged velocity, density, and temperature fields for steady granular flow past a wedge. We find the flow to be supersonic with a speed of granular pressure disturbances (sound speed) equal to about of the flow speed, and we observe shocks nearly identical to those in a supersonic gas. Molecular dynamics simulations of Newton’s laws yield fields in quantitative agreement with experiment. A numerical solution of Navier-Stokes–like equations agrees with a molecular dynamics simulation for experimental conditions excluding wall friction.
- Received 19 April 2001
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.014302
©2001 American Physical Society