Qualitative 3D Movies

The first of the qualitative 3D movies was made in a 0.05 m polyacrylate cylindrical container using different types of nuts: pistachios, peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts and a walnut. The nuts were stacked to a height of approximately 0.08 m. Observe that though initially placed at the bottom, the walnut (which is the largest nut in the pack) rises to the top.

Once again, you need to have Apple QuickTime Player installed to view the movie. 

The movie below shows the segregation of a two different types of particles. The orange particles are colored polystyrene beads, with a diameter of 1.5 mm and a density of 200 kg/m³. The blue particles are silica pebbles with a mean diameter of 2.8 mm and a density of 700 kg/m³. Observe that though the heavier particles were initially placed at the bottom, they neatly segregate to the top under the set vibration conditions.

Notice that the large particles disappear into bed as they segregate to the top. The reason for this is that the smaller particles are easily able to  fill the void space between the large particles and the container wall.

Next: Mechanism of intruder movement