Intruder penetration into granular matter studied by Lock-in Accelerometry

TL;DR

This study uses Lock-in accelerometry to analyze how intruders penetrate granular beds, revealing two distinct stages in the sinking process, with implications for physics and geophysical applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of Lock-in accelerometry to study intruder penetration dynamics in granular matter, identifying two characteristic sinking stages.

Findings

Identification of two well-defined penetration stages

Demonstration of Lock-in accelerometry as an effective tool

Insights into granular matter behavior during intrusion

Abstract

Understanding the penetration dynamics of intruders in granular beds is relevant not only for fundamental physics, but also for geophysical processes and construction on sediments or granular soils in areas potentially affected by earthquakes. In this work, we use Lock-in accelerometry to study the penetration of intruders into quasi-2D granular matter fluidized by lateral shaking. We observed that there are two well-defined stages in the penetration dynamics as the intruder sinks into the granular material.