Eur. Phys. J. B 18, 459-466 (2000)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s100510070034

Cellular model for the compaction of a vertically tapped granular column

Brunel University, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK

Corresponding author: ^a jan-martin.hertzsch@rz.hu-berlin.de

Received: 3 March 2000
Revised: 21 July 2000
Published online: 15 December 2000

Abstract

A cellular model for the compaction of granular material is described. It takes into account horizontal redistribution as well as vertical transfer of particles. Parameters are the width of the horizontal redistribution and the settling probability. Numerical simulations of the behaviour of a granular column in a container are shown as an example, and the evolution of some characteristic features over time has been followed for some typical configurations. Experimental results for the time evolution of the density can be reproduced for a settling probability proportional to the unoccupied spaces for particles in the lower cells.