Enhancement of the flow of vibrated grains through narrow apertures by addition of small particles

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that adding small particles to vibrated granular flows through narrow openings can significantly enhance flow rate, with an optimal particle size maximizing this effect, offering potential applications in various fields.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel method of increasing granular flow through narrow apertures by adding smaller particles, identifying an optimal particle size for maximum flow enhancement.

Findings

Adding small particles increases flow rate of larger grains.

There is an optimal size of additive particles for maximum flow.

Potential applications extend to active matter and evacuation scenarios.

Abstract

We analyze the flow and clogging of circular grains passing through a small aperture under vibration in two dimensions. Via Discrete Element Method simulations, we show that when grains smaller than the original ones are introduced in the system as an additive, the net flow of the original species can be significantly increased. Moreover, there is an optimal radius of the additive particles that maximizes the effect. This finding may constitute the basis for technological applications not only concerning the flow of granular materials but also regarding active matter, including pedestrian evacuation.