# Increasing granular flow rate with obstructions

## TL;DR

This study demonstrates that strategically placing obstructions near a bottleneck can increase granular flow rate, supported by experiments and computer simulations that replicate clogging and flow behaviors.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a simple experimental setup and a PhysX-based simulation model to analyze how obstructions affect granular flow, revealing conditions that enhance flow rate.

## Key findings

- Flow rate increases with optimal obstruction placement.
- Simulations replicate experimental clogging and flow patterns.
- Model serves as a tool for further granular flow research.

## Abstract

We describe a simple experiment involving spheres rolling down an inclined plane towards a bottleneck and through a gap. Results of the experiment indicate that flow rate can be increased by placing an obstruction at optimal positions near the bottleneck. We use the experiment to develop a computer simulation using the PhysX physics engine. Simulations confirm the experimental results and we state several considerations necessary to obtain a model that agrees well with experiment. We demonstrate that the model exhibits clogging, intermittent and continuous flow, and that it can be used as a tool for further investigations in granular flow.