Eur. Phys. J. E (2010) 32: 365-375
https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2010-10637-8

Regular Article

Granular Leidenfrost effect in vibrated beds with bumpy surfaces

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore

^* e-mail: chelwce@nus.edu.sg

Received: 1 June 2010
Accepted: 8 July 2010
Published online: 5 September 2010

Abstract

The effects of subjecting a bed of granular materials to horizontal vibrations by a bumpy oscillating surface have been investigated computationally in this study. The behaviour of the granular bed is determined by the vibration conditions applied which include the vibrating frequency and amplitude as well as the bumpiness of the oscillating surface. Under sufficiently vigorous vibration conditions, the granular Leidenfrost effect whereby the entire granular bed is levitated above the vibrating base by a layer of highly energetic particles may be observed. Granular temperature profiles of systems that exhibit the granular Leidenfrost effect indicate an unequal distribution of energy between particles near the vibrating base and those in the bulk. A bumpy oscillating surface was also observed to be more effective at introducing perturbations and transferring energy into a granular bed. The granular Leidenfrost effect can be induced by the application of larger grain sizes of particles constituting the bumpy vibrating base under vibration conditions that are normally insufficient for the onset of the effect. Lastly, a phase diagram which can be utilized for predicting the behaviours of granular beds that are subjected to oscillations by various types of bumpy surfaces has been constructed based on the simulation results obtained.