Radial mixing and segregation of granular bed bi-dispersed both in particle size and density within horizontal rotating drum

Taking simultaneous variations in both particle volume and density into account, the radial mixing and segregation of binary granular bed in a rotating drum half loaded were investigated by a 3D discrete element method. Then, based on the competition theory of condensation and percolation, radial segregation due to differences in particle volume and/or density was analyzed. The results show that if either percolation effect induced by volume difference or condensation effect induced by density difference dominates in the active layer of moving bed, separation will occur. Controlling the volume ratio or density ratio of the two types of particles can achieve an equilibrium state between percolation and condensation, and then homogenous mixture can be obtained. When the percolation balances with the condensation, the relationship between volume ratio and density ratio presents nearly a power function. Scaling up a rotating drum will not affect the mixing degree of the granular bed so long as the volume ratio and density ratio are predefined.