Particle size segregation in two-dimensional circular granular aggregates

Although many previous studies have focused on the Brazil nut effect, segregation in a self-gravitating circular aggregate remains relatively unexplored. In this paper, size segregation in a two-dimensional assembly of grains in a circular geometry is studied through discrete element method (DEM) numerical simulations. We show that radial segregation within an asteroid submitted to periodic perturbations is not limited to the surface but also occurs in its core. The characteristic time and the overall efficiency of the segregation mechanism are studied as the intensity of the perturbation, the frictional properties, and rotational freedom of individual grains are varied.

Automated summary

This paper explores size segregation in a two-dimensional assembly of grains in a circular geometry under periodic perturbations, finding that radial segregation occurs not only on the surface but also in the core of an asteroid. The study also examines the characteristic time and efficiency of the segregation mechanism as various parameters such as perturbation intensity, frictional properties, and rotational freedom of grains are changed.