Patterns and Collective Behavior in Granular Media: Theoretical Concepts

TL;DR

This paper reviews theoretical models of granular media, focusing on collective behavior and pattern formation, aiming to identify universal principles and distinguish features from other complex non-equilibrium systems.

Contribution

It provides an overview of emerging theoretical concepts in granular matter, highlighting common principles and key differences with continuum pattern-forming systems.

Findings

Identification of general principles in granular systems

Comparison between granular and continuum pattern formation

Insights into collective behavior mechanisms

Abstract

Granular materials are ubiquitous in our daily lives. While they have been a subject of intensive engineering research for centuries, in the last decade granular matter attracted significant attention of physicists. Yet despite a major efforts by many groups, the theoretical description of granular systems remains largely a plethora of different, often contradicting concepts and approaches. Authors give an overview of various theoretical models emerged in the physics of granular matter, with the focus on the onset of collective behavior and pattern formation. Their aim is two-fold: to identify general principles common for granular systems and other complex non-equilibrium systems, and to elucidate important distinctions between collective behavior in granular and continuum pattern-forming systems.