Rheology of Confined Granular Flows: Scale Invariance, Glass Transition, and Friction Weakening

P. Richard, A. Valance, J.-F. Métayer, P. Sanchez, J. Crassous, M. Louge, and R. Delannay
Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 248002 – Published 12 December 2008

Abstract

We study fully developed, steady granular flows confined between parallel flat frictional sidewalls using numerical simulations and experiments. Above a critical rate, sidewall friction stabilizes the underlying heap at an inclination larger than the angle of repose. The shear rate is constant and independent of inclination over much of the flowing layer. In the direction normal to the free surface, the solid volume fraction increases on a scale equal to half the flowing layer depth. Beneath a critical depth at which internal friction is invariant, grains exhibit creeping and intermittent cage motion similar to that in glasses, causing gradual weakening of friction at the walls.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 30 June 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.248002

©2008 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

P. Richard1, A. Valance1, J.-F. Métayer1, P. Sanchez1, J. Crassous1, M. Louge2, and R. Delannay1

  • 1IPR, Université de Rennes 1, CNRS UMR 6251, F35042 Rennes Cedex, France
  • 2Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 101, Iss. 24 — 12 December 2008

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×