Characterization of segregation in rectangular piles

BENITO, J.G.; IPPOLITO, I.; VIDALES, A M

Viña del Mar, Chile

Workshop; Southern Workshop on Granular Materials 2009; 2009

Experimental results showing segregation patterns on rectangular grain piles are reported. The piles are built by simultaneously dropping grains (glass beads) of two different species (different diameters). The experimental device is set to specially control the following variables during the build-up of the pile: height of the injection point above the top,amplitude and velocity of its displacement and injection flow rate for each kind of grains. A complete characterization of the observed segregation patterns is accomplished by defining proper segregation indices based on model systems. Imaging treatment of a series of photographs of the piles allows to measure segregation indices. Results demonstrate that  the distance of the injection point from the top of the pile and the amplitude of the motion have the largest influence on  the observed segregation features.