Shape Dynamics of Interfacial Front in Rotating Cylinders

TL;DR

This study investigates the evolution of interfacial fronts in a rotating cylinder using MRI, revealing that a concentration-dependent diffusion process best describes the interface dynamics during particle segregation.

Contribution

It introduces a model incorporating concentration-dependent diffusion to accurately describe interfacial shape and velocity in particle segregation within rotating cylinders.

Findings

Radial core formation captured via MRI.

Interfacial velocity and shape modeled by diffusion process.

Concentration-dependent diffusion best fits observed dynamics.

Abstract

The evolution of the interface propagation in a slowly rotating half-filled horizontal cylinder is studied using MRI. Initially, the cylinder contains two axially segregated bands of small and large particles with a sharp interface. The process of the formation of the radial core is clearly captured, and the shape and the velocity of the propagating front are calculated by assuming a one-dimensional diffusion process along the rotation axis of the cylinder and a separation of time scales associated with segregation in the radial and axial directions. We found that the interfacial dynamics are best described when a concentration dependent diffusion process is assumed.