Manchester Applied Mathematics and Numerical Analysis Seminars Winter 1999/2000

October 6, 1999, 4.00 pm

Lecture Theatre OF/B9 Oddfellows Hall (Material Science)

Patterned Particle Segregation

Prof. Tom Mullin, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester

We report the results of an experimental study of patterned particle segregation in binary granular mixtures which are subjected to horizontal shaking. A novel mechanism for separation is found where random forcing of one species by the other causes clustering. A pattern is formed which contains a series of stripes aligned orthogonal to the direction of the periodic forcing. The pattern coarsens with time and shows a scaling behaviour which is consistent with simple models of the geological process of 'stone striping'.

For further info contact either Matthias Heil (mheil@ma.man.ac.uk), Mark Muldoon (M.Muldoon@umist.ac.uk)or the seminar secretary (Tel. 0161 275 5800).