- Letter
Enhancement of the flow of vibrated grains through narrow apertures by addition of small particles
Phys. Rev. E 103, L030901 – Published 25 March, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.103.L030901
Abstract
We analyze the flow and clogging of circular grains passing through a small aperture under vibration in two dimensions. Via discrete element method simulations, we show that when grains smaller than the original ones are introduced in the system as an additive, the net flow of the original species can be significantly increased. Moreover, there is an optimal radius of the additive particles that maximizes the effect. This finding may constitute the basis for technological applications not only concerning the flow of granular materials but also regarding active matter, including pedestrian evacuation.
