Behavior of density-induced segregation with multi-density granular materials in a thin rotating drum

Abstract

In this study, the effect of multi-density particles on granular segregation was experimentally investigated in a rotating drum. Optical cameras were used to record the motions of the granular materials. Particle tracking methods and image processing technology were used to determine the angle of repose, segregation index, and the velocities and granular temperatures of white POM (polyformaldehyde) beads (tracer particles). The experimental results showed that the final steady-state segregation index increases with the density ratio in a binary granular mixture. The results indicated that the final steady state segregation index is smaller with multi-density granular materials compared with those of materials with the binary granular mixture. The behavior of density-induced segregation is mitigated upon the addition of glass beads into the binary granular mixture. The relation between granular temperature and density-induced segregation was also discussed in this study.