Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
On the brink of jamming: granular convection in densely filled containers
1Otto-von-Guericke-University, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Granulates are ubiquitous in nature and technology, but, despite their great importance, their dynamics are by far less well understood than those of liquids. We demonstrate in an almost compactly filled flat (Hele-Shaw) cell, where slow horizontal rotation simulates a variable gravitational force, that unexpected dynamic structures may arise under geometrical restrictions. The cell motion drives regular flow in the compact interior, and convection rolls combine with segregation. The container fill level is crucial for the dynamic regime. A transition from chute flow at lower fill levels to convection in densely packed containers is found. These observations suggest the existence of comparable phenomena in situations where so far no systematic search for dynamic patterns has been performed.
Related Concept Videos
Steady, Laminar Flow Between Parallel Plates
Precipitate Formation and Particle Size Control
The obtained precipitate should be either a pure substance of known composition or easily converted to one by a simple process, such as ignition or drying. In addition, the precipitate should be insoluble and easily filterable. In general, filterability...
The Thermodynamics of Mixing
Steady, Laminar Flow in Circular Tubes
Capillarity in Fluid
Surface tension is crucial to capillarity. It results from cohesive forces between liquid molecules at the liquid-air boundary, forming a skin that resists external forces. When the capillary tube...
Fluid Movement Between Compartments

