Inertia and Air Drag in the Brazil Nut Problem

TL;DR

This study investigates the rise dynamics of a large spherical particle in a vibrated granular bed, using experiments and a simple energy-based model to understand the physics of the Brazil Nut Problem.

Contribution

It introduces an experimental setup with an inductive tracking device and a basic energy model to analyze particle rise in vibrated granular media.

Findings

Experimental data supports the energy-based model.

Particle rise depends on vibration conditions and particle properties.

Insights into inertia and air drag effects in the Brazil Nut Problem.

Abstract

The rise dynamics of a large spherical particle, in a granular bed under vertical vibrations, is experimentally studied. An inductive device has been designed to track the particle while it climbs through the bed under different conditions. A simple model based in energy considerations is presented to explain our experimental data, drawing important conclusions about the physics of the phenomenon.