Surface energy of a dry granular assembly

Abstract

Our recent study has made significant advancements in the field of granular mechanics by introducing a tool essential for understanding the thermodynamics of granular streams subjected to horizontal vibrations. Notably, we discovered that, at low peak accelerations relative to gravity (Γ), a submerged intruder moving along the free surface of a rotating granular sample contradicts Archimedes' principle. Instead, we identified a critical resistance effect caused by the surface energy. Additionally, we developed a granular metamaterial thin plate that allows for accurate estimation of the intrinsic surface energy of a dry granular assembly per unit surface area. Our findings not only enhance our theoretical understanding but also have practical implications for various chemical and pharmaceutical industries, where the granulation process is a critical step.