DEM simulation of granular segregation in two-compartment system under zero gravity

Abstract

In this paper, granular segregation in a two-compartment cell in zero gravity is studied numerically by DEM simulation. In the simulation using a virtual window method we find a non-monotonic flux, a function which governs the segregation. A parameter is used to quantify the segregation. The effect of three parameters: the total number of particles N, the excitation strength {\Gamma}, and the position of the window coupling the two compartments, on the segregation {\epsilon} and the waiting time {\tau} are investigated. It is found that the segregation observed in zero gravity exists and does not depend on the excitation strength {\Gamma}. The waiting time {\tau}, however, depends strongly on {\Gamma}: Higher the {\Gamma}, lower the waiting time {\tau}. The simulation results are important in guiding the SJ-10 satellite microgravity experiments.