Shocks in Supersonic Sand

Erin C. Rericha, Chris Bizon, Mark D. Shattuck, and Harry L. Swinney
Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 014302 – Published 17 December 2001
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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 10% 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

Authors & Affiliations

Erin C. Rericha1, Chris Bizon2, Mark D. Shattuck1, and Harry L. Swinney1

  • 1Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
  • 2Colorado Research Associates Division, Northwest Research Association, Boulder, Colorado 80301

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Vol. 88, Iss. 1 — 7 January 2002

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