Gaussian statistics in granular gases

G. W. Baxter and J. S. Olafsen ()
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G. W. Baxter: School of Science, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
J. S. Olafsen: University of Kansas

Nature, 2003, vol. 425, issue 6959, 680-680

Abstract: Abstract A kinetic theory1,2 of granular media, analogous to that described by Maxwell–Boltzmann statistics for molecular gases and liquids3,4, has long been sought in the quest for a continuum theory. Here we present results from a two-layer, vertically vibrated granular system, in which an oscillating plate drives a horizontal layer of heavy grains, which in turn drives an overlying horizontal layer of lighter grains. In the second layer, but not in the first, we find that the velocity distributions are gaussian — a result that is observed for a wide variety of driving and density parameters, indicating that the second layer's behaviour is much more gas-like than was previously seen in driven granular media. This similarity to molecular gases brings a kinetic theory of granular media a step closer.

Date: 2003
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DOI: 10.1038/425680a

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