Confinement effects by structured side walls on swift granular flows
摘要
Dense granular flows down inclined channels are ubiquitous, with applications from industrial processes like grain handling to geophysical events like rock avalanches. Despite their widespread occurrence, understanding their behavior remains a challenge due to the complexity of grain interactions. This study investigates the impact of channel boundaries on flow dynamics through numerical simulations of four distinct configurations: smooth, structured (bumpy) walls and combined geometries. Surprisingly, we found that the substrate’s texture has minimal influence on flow velocity and density. Conversely, roughness introduced by bumpy sidewalls significantly hinders the flow, suggesting a crucial role in governing overall behavior. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of granular flows and their dependence on channel geometry.