Some Considerations about the Bouchaud-Cates-Ravi-Edwards model for granular flow

Abstract

In this paper we discuss some features of the BCRE model. We show that this model can be understood as a mapping from a two-dimensional to a one-dimensional problem, if some conditions are satisfied. We propose some modifications that (a) guarantee mass conservation in the model (what is not assured in its original form) and (b) correct undesired behaviors that appear when there are irregularities in the surface of the static phase. We also show that a similar model can be deduced both from the principle of mass conservation (first equation) and a simple thermodynamic model (from which the exchange equation can be obtained). Finally, we solve the model numerically, using different velocity profiles and studying the influence of the different parameters present in this model.