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The Dynamics of Avalanching Bead Chains

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Michael Bretz*
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Alberto G. Rojo
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
*
* Corresponding author
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Abstract

Avalanching studies were performed on 2D beds of a unique granular material - uniform length, 2.06 mm diameter flexible metal bead chain. The dynamical behavior of the slowly rotating vertical chain beds was separately characterized using chain lengths of 1, 2, 5, 9 and 13 beads, respectively. Digital images were acquired at 30-second intervals and analyzed to provide comparisons of mean profiles, slope angle variations, avalanche mass distributions and surface step discontinuities. This study is designed to probe how elongation, flexing and rolling affect avalanching through interlocking and polymer-like behavior.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2000

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References

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