ResearchGranular Dynamics
Flowing granular materials often superficially resemble classical fluids, but due to their finite yield stress and effectively athermal particles, their dynamical behavior is often counter-intuitive and difficult to predict. Our primary research is this area focuses on segregation and mixing in multi-component particulate systems driven by flow kinematics and differences in particle properties like shape and size. Our research combines experiments, particle-level simulations, and models ranging from continuum transport to piecewise isometries, a recent branch of mathematics that can represent solids shuffling, to better understand and, consequently, control mixing in a wide range of natural and industrially relevant granular flows.
The faculty below research granular dynamics.
Richard Lueptow
Professor of Mechanical Engineering (and by courtesy) Chemical and Biological Engineering
Senior Associate Dean
Julio Ottino
Walter P. Murphy Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and (by courtesy) Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Management and Organizations (by courtesy)
Distinguished Robert R. McCormick Institute Professor
