Memory in 2D Heap Experiments
Abstract
The measurement of force distributions in sandpiles provides a useful way to test concepts and models of how forces propagate within other noncohesive granular materials. Recent theory implies that the internal structure of a heap (and therefore the force pathway) is a strong function of the construction history. In general, it is difficult to obtain information on 3D granular systems except at a boundary. However, 2D systems offer the possibility of yielding information on forces and particle arrangements in the interior of a sample. Here, we present the results of such 2D experiments on heaps. We obtain position and force information through the use of photoelastic particles. These experiments show that the history of the heap formation has a dramatic effect on the arrangement of particles, hence on the texture, and a clear effect on the forces within the sample. Specifically, heaps prepared with a point-like source show strong anisotropy in the contact angle distribution and heaps formed by a more uniform raining procedure show relatively little anisotropy; stress profiles underneath the heaps formed by a localized procedure can show a dip while there is no indication of a stress dip for heaps formed by a raining procedure.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 2000
- Bibcode:
- 2000APS..DFD.PE001L