Segregation of granular particles in suspension flow

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to investigate the development of longitudinal stripes of granular particles due to instabilities in particle suspension flow. Research was conducted to characterize environmental phenomena related to granular flows, namely avalanches, mudslides, and the movement of glaciers. Results show the stripes were found to appear with a particle concentration of 10% by volume at angles of 20 degrees, at a particle concentration of 20% and 30% by volume at 20, 30, and 40 degrees, and at a particle concentration for 40% by volume at 20 degrees. The application of a shear stress intensified the development of the instabilities, and in experimental trials where stripes were not initially seen, the application of a shear stress was able to induce the fluid to develop the instability.