Effect of dynamic properties on density-driven granular segregation in a rotating drum

Abstract

In this study, we explored the density-induced segregation behavior caused by buoyancy of binary mixtures of particles that have varying densities in a rotating drum. We adopted a high-definition DV and high-speed camera to record particle motion. Image-processing technology and a particle-tracking method were used to identify the particles' segregation behavior and dynamic properties. The results showed the dynamic properties of granular materials played a crucial role on the density-induced segregation behavior. The final steady-state segregation index did not grow monotonically with an increased rotation speed. The average velocity and average granular temperature of the heavy particles demonstrated nonmonotonic decline as the rotation speed increased. Furthermore, we found that regardless of the rotation speed and fill level, the final steady-state segregation index decreased linearly along with the average granular temperature of the heavy particles in the flowing layer.