An Introduction to Granular Flow

This book describes theories for granular flow based on continuum models and alternative discrete models.

K. Kesava Rao (Author), Prabhu R. Nott (Author)

9780521571661, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 April 2008

512 pages, 15 tables 98 exercises
26 x 18.2 x 3.3 cm, 1.2 kg

"Problems aimed at filling in details or extending the material are given at the end of most of the ten chapters. Eleven appendixes provide supporting mathematical principles and answers to selected problems as well as an extended list of references."
R. Darby, Choice

The flow of granular materials such as sand, snow, coal, and catalyst particles is common occurrence in natural and industrial settings. The mechanics of these materials is not well understood. They are important since a large fraction of the materials handled and processed in the chemical, metallurgical, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries are granular in nature. This book describes the theories for granular flow based mainly on continuum models although alternative discrete models are also discussed briefly. The level is appropriate for advanced undergraduates or beginning graduate students. The goal is to inform the reader about observed phenomena, some available models, and their shortcomings and to visit some issues that remain unresolved. There is a selection of problems at the end of the chapters to encourage exploration, and extensive references are provided.

Preface. 1. Introduction
2. Theory for slow plane flow
3. Flow through hoppers
4. Flow through wedge-shaped bunkers
5. Theory for slow three-dimensional flow
6. Flow through axisymmetric hoppers and bunkers
7. Theory for rapid flow of smooth, inelastic particles
8. Analysis of rapid flow in simple geometries
9. Theory for rapid flow of rough, inelastic particles
10. Hybrid theories
A. Operations with vectors and tensors
B. The stress tensor
C. Hyperbolic partial differential equations of first order
D. Jump balances
E. Discontinuous solutions of hyperbolic equations
F. Proof of the coaxiality condition
G. Material frame-indifference
H. The evaluation of some integrals
I. Linear stability
J. Pseudoscalars, vectors, and tensors
K. Answers to selected problems
References.

Subject Areas: Mechanics of fluids [TGMF], Mechanical engineering [TGB], Industrial chemistry [TDC], Fluid mechanics [PHDF]