Observations of the effects of particle shape and particle size distribution on avalanching of granular media

Measurements are presented for the angle of repose (alpha(r)) and the maximum angle of stability (alpha(m)) of a slope of poured granular material. Results using monosized grains with three materials of differing shape are presented. This is followed by results with binary mixtures. The results demonstrate a strong relationship between the slope angles and particle shape and that particle size distribution affects the slope angle and avalanching mode, especially as the grains become less spherical. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.