Cascade of granular flows for characterizing segregation

We propose a method using an original apparatus to amplify any segregation from a granular mixture. The device is a superposition of four Hele Shaw cells for producing a cascade of granular flows that enhances the segregation process. After the flow cascade, the concentration of each granular species is measured in the different cells. From these concentrations, a parameter p that characterizes the ability of the mixture to segregate is calculated. The physical model used to calculate this parameter p is presented. Finally, the method is validated with a series of experiments performed with common granular materials. Relevant parameters behind segregation are evidenced. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.