Nonmonotonic reversible branch in four model granular beds subjected to vertical vibration

PUGNALONI, LUIS A.; MIZRAHI, MARTÍN; CARLEVARO, C. MANUEL; VERICAT, FERNANDO

PHYSICAL REVIEW E - STATISTICAL PHYSICS, PLASMAS, FLUIDS AND RELATED INTERDISCIPLINARY TOPICS

American Physical Society

Lugar: New York; Año: 2008 vol. 78 p. 1 - 7

1063-651X

We present results from four independent models of a granular assembly subjected to tapping. We find that the steady-state packing fraction as a function of  the tapping intensity is nonmonotonic. In particular, for high tapping intensities, we observe an increase of the packing fraction with tapping strength. This finding challenges the current understanding of compaction of granular media since the steady-state packing fraction is believed to decrease monotonically with increasing tapping intensity. We propose an explanation of our results based on the properties of the arches formed by the particles.