Mechanics Of Granular Flows Research Articles

Microstructural evolution and deformation mechanisms of Khao Kho Fault, Thailand

Lithologies and microstructures of fault rocks from the Khao Kho Fault in Thailand are investigated to understand fault behavior and underlying deformation mechanisms. Fault gouges in the shear zone are mainly composed of kaolinite, illite-mica, and illite-smectite and exhibit weak preferred orientation, ranging from 1.2 to 2.3 m.r.d. These fault cores are characterized by high localized strain and intense deformation due to cataclasis and frictional granular flow mechanisms, which produce transgranular fractures, rounded quartz grains, and an ultrafine clay matrix. In contrast, wall rocks show stronger clay preferred orientation, up to 3.9 m.r.d., despite having less clay content than the fault gouges. Much larger fault-related bent and sheared clay grains are present in the wall rocks, suggesting less severe deformation. The discrepancy between fault cores and wall rocks indicate that the development of fabrics is related to faulting and authigenic processes. Weak fabrics in the slip zone are attributed to the comminution of grains and neomineralization, allowing clay platelets to grow and rotate in many directions. In addition, the abundance of metal oxides indicates extensive, multiple fluid alteration processes, which further influence microstructures and fault properties.

Longitudinal ridges imparted by high-speed granular flow mechanisms in martian landslides

The presence of longitudinal ridges documented in long runout landslides across our solar system is commonly associated with the existence of a basal layer of ice. However, their development, the link between their occurrence and the emplacement mechanisms of long runout landslides, and the necessity of a basal ice layer remain poorly understood. Here, we analyse the morphometry of longitudinal ridges of a martian landslide and show that the wavelength of the ridges is 2–3 times the average thickness of the landslide deposit, a unique scaling relationship previously reported in ice-free rapid granular flow experiments. We recognize en-echelon features that we interpret as kinematic indicators, congruent with experimentally-measured transverse velocity gradient. We suggest that longitudinal ridges should not be considered as unequivocal evidence for presence of ice, rather as inevitable features of rapid granular sliding material, that originate from a mechanical instability once a kinematic threshold is surpassed.

Young, small-scale surface features in Meridiani Planum, Mars: A possible signature of recent transient liquid and gas emissions

Enigmatic small-scale (<1 m) depositional and erosional features found in basaltic sands partly covering bedrock exposures, imaged at several locations in the equatorial Meridiani Planum region by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity, may be evidence of previously unrecognized, geologically young (or even contemporary) Martian surface processes. Leveed fissures appear to have formed by venting from beneath; possible explanations include aeolian blowholes near crater margins, volcanic fumarole activity, or gas/vapour escape resulting from the decomposition of small pockets of ground ice, methane clathrates or hydrated sulphate minerals. Some leveed fissures cross-cut and are therefore younger than aeolian ripples thought to have last been active c. 50,000 years ago. Erosional gutters are sharply defined and fresh-looking, internally terraced, sometimes are deeper near one end, and in one case seem to give way to small depositional fans downslope; they have the appearance of having been formed by liquid flow rather than by wind erosion. There is evidence elsewhere that contemporary ground-ice thaw and consequent transient surface run-off may occur occasionally under present conditions at low, near-equatorial latitudes on Mars; short-lived (even for just a few minutes) meltwater emission and flow at the surface could form gutters before evaporating. Further possibilities are the decomposition of buried pockets of methane clathrates (which theoretical considerations suggest might be present and stable even in equatorial regions) giving rise to both methane gas venting and transient surface water, or the release of liquid brines by decomposition of hydrated magnesium sulphate minerals or deliquescence of perchlorates. Dry granular flow mechanisms proposed as explanations for Recurring Slope Lineae seem inadequate to explain the morphologies of leveed fissures and gutters.

Two pulses of seasonal activity in martian southern mid-latitude recurring slope lineae (RSL)

Recurring slope lineae (RSL) are narrow dark features that incrementally lengthen down steep low-albedo slopes when temperatures are warm, subsequently fade, and reoccur annually. RSL could be caused by wet, wet-triggered debris, or dry granular flow mechanisms. We have classified 190 candidate and confirmed southern mid-latitude (SML) RSL sites using six Mars years of high-resolution imagery to provide new constraints on RSL flow mechanisms. We demonstrate that at least three confirmed SML RSL sites have at least two pulses of active lengthening. We have also confirmed that RSL start much earlier than previously thought. The first SML RSL pulse occurs from solar longitude (Ls) 187° ± 6° to 226° ± 14° or 62 ± 32 sols, while the second pulse occurs from Ls 260° ± 26° to 329° ± 29° or 113 ± 89 sols. Even with the newly observed early pulse, the total SML RSL active duration is still shorter than RSL found elsewhere on the planet. No significant seasonal variations exist between the dominant (N, NW, W) slope-face orientations. The central peak of Hale crater appears to be anomalous in that it has a third pulse that rejuvenates RSL late in the southern summer (Ls 330° ± 1° to 348° ± 19° or 48 ± 26 sols). These additional RSL pulses of activity add increased complexity to RSL behavior. Follow-up missions may be needed to unambiguously discriminate between RSL mechanisms.

A tribute to professor Roy Jackson: Intellectual leader, scholar, mentor

This article, and this entire issue of the AIChE Journal, are meant to honor Professor Roy Jackson, whose contributions to chemical engineering have been profound and exceptionally broad. It is often said of Roy Jackson that few, if any, scholars have so deep a command of the full range of highly varied subjects that comprise the chemical engineering discipline. A hardly complete description of Professor Jackson's wide‐ranging academic journey was attempted, both geographic (Cambridge, London, Edinburgh, Houston, Pasadena, Princeton) and intellectual (fluidization, mechanics of granular flows, process optimization, chemical reaction network theory, diffusion and reaction in porous catalyst pellets). The contributions of friends and colleagues appearing elsewhere in this issue are a testament to the broad range of subjects in which Professor Jackson had interest. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 5239–5249, 2017

Three-dimensional numerical study on flow regimes of dry granular flows by DEM

Understanding the characteristics and mechanics of granular flows along sloping channels is fundamental and vital for the study of different in situ geophysical flows. Using the discrete element method (DEM), three-dimensional (3-D) dry granular flows are numerically modeled to study the contact behavior of solid particles along sloping channels, determine the 3-D velocity profiles along the flow height, and computer the corresponding shear rate. The channel confinement effect on granular flows is also investigated. By capturing the flow height and utilizing the definition of the Savage number, the variation in flow regimes inside a granular body along a sloping channel is researched. Finally, the fluctuation of solid particles in the flow is investigated with the use of granular temperature, and is proven to be influenced by the Savage number. Analysis shows that the combination of granular temperature and the Savage number is a good way to identify the flow regimes of granular flows. Crown Copyright (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Energy characteristics of simple shear granular flows

This work uses a 3-D discrete element simulation to calculate the elastic and kinetic energy for a nonuniform granular shear flow to determine whether the ratio of these energies is sufficient to identify specific flow regimes of granular materials in a fashion to other dimensionless parameters such as inertial number and dimensionless stiffness. We first obtain the critical packing fraction under isostatic compression, then analyze the mean and fluctuating parts of the elastic and kinetic energy as the granular flow reaches a steady state. External work performed on a system during granular flow partially dissipates into heat, while the remaining work is stored in particles as elastic and kinetic energy; thus processes occurring at a particle level not only control the energy transformation, but also affect the bulk behavior of a granular flow. The effective frictions are correlated with the mean elastic energy to mean kinetic energy ratio and it is interesting to find a power law function with an index of for the systems used in this work. Analysis of this ratio's ability to classify flow shows that its determination is quite sufficient to identify specific flow regimes of granular materials, even though energy has a scalar expression. Therefore, these energetics studies can provide a theoretical basis for unifying the mechanics of granular flows over the entire range of regimes.

Numerical Simulation of Dual-Support Leg Fluidized Bed

A numerical study on a gas-solid model to predict the particle flow structures of dual support-leg fluidized bed has been conducted. Due to the symmetry motion trajectory of the particles in the dual support-leg fluidized bed, unilateral furnace was taken into account in the model to simplify calculation. The results indicate that, without buffer set on the wall, three different zones can be distinguished in terms of granular flow mechanisms. The velocities of the upward flow without buffer set on the wall are much higher than that with buffer set.

Coexisting static and flowing regions in a centrifuging granular heap

We report an unexpectedly rich variety of new flow patterns on a granular heap that is centrifuged so as to simulate a reduction in gravity. These surface patterns exhibit coexisting static and flowing regions that depend strongly on centrifugal stress, but surprisingly not on mass flow rate. A discrete cellular automata model reproduces some of the patterning features and indicates that subsurface jamming may precipitate the formation of localized frozen patterns on the surface. This model provides insights into the mechanics of granular flows under controlled stress environment and jammed-to-flowing transitions in granular media.