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Updated: May 2, 2026

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
Internal structure of inertial granular flows.
Emilien Azéma1, Farhang Radjaï1
1Université Montpellier 2, CNRS, LMGC, Cc 048, Place Eugène Bataillon, F-34095 Montpellier cedex 05, France.
The effective friction in inertial granular flows depends on contact and force network properties. Particle inertia influences these factors, leading to topological transitions and changes in friction behavior.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Geophysics
- Material Science
Background:
- Granular flows are ubiquitous in nature and industry.
- Understanding the factors governing friction in these flows is crucial for predicting their behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origins of effective friction in inertial granular flows.
- To analyze the roles of contact network, force transmission, and particle inertia.
Main Methods:
- Extensive 3D numerical simulations were performed.
- Analysis focused on contact anisotropy, force chain anisotropy, and friction mobilization.
Main Results:
- Effective friction increases with the inertial number (I), driven by contact anisotropy and friction mobilization.
- Force chain anisotropy decreases due to particle inertia, causing topological transitions in the contact network.
- A transition around I≃0.1 leads to clustered force chains and fluidized zones, altering the friction increase rate.
Conclusions:
- Effective friction in inertial granular flows is a complex interplay of network topology and particle inertia.
- The study identifies key parameters controlling friction and reveals a critical transition point in flow behavior.
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