Effects of vibration on granular chute flow under low-gravity conditions

Abstract

The essence of most geological hazards and industrial processes is gravity-driven flows of dense particles. In this research, we use the discrete element method to simulate the particle chute flow, and discuss the effect of vibration acceleration on the granular flow under different gravity conditions. The results indicate that vibration has a greater impact on the particle flow state under low-gravity environments and low inclination angles. The granular temperature (T) and inertia number (I) increase with increasing vibration acceleration. Vibration enhances the flowability of particles by changing the stress state and reducing the volume fraction of the granular system. This work reveals the rheological state of vibration-triggered particle flow on an inclined surface under different gravity environments.