Lateral Migration of Grains in a Partitioned Container under Vertical Vibration

Lateral migration of grains in a vrtical vibrated vessel has been experimentally studied. A partition is used to divide the vessel into two equal sections, which are linked by one connecting hole on the partition. With the initial level of grains in both sections at same height, under certain vibration conditions, a stabilized height difference is achieved via the gradual migration of grains into just one section of the vessel. The height difference is found to be dependent strongly on vibration parameters, as well as on grain size, initial filling height, and height of the connecting hole, however, almost independent on the ambient air pressure. Allowed by the wide vessel dimensions, the migration of grains is observed in close association with different convection patterns. A mechanism based on convection is proposed.