Dimensional Analysis to Predict Dynamic Behavior of Sand Bulk Under 2D Vibration

2D motion pattern of an especial type of sand, which is used in lost-foam casting process, under the horizontal vibration investigated. Under this condition, the sand bulk in the experiment cell divides into 3 different zones, every one has its own property. Using dimensional analysis for the first time for this problem, dimensionless parameters which are useful to study sand bulk behavior, were identified. It observed that simple and linear relations exist among these parameters. They can be utilized in formulizing this phenomenon, by which motion pattern of sand bulk in various conditions can be predicted and optimum of geometric and vibration parameters for different purposes can be identified. The results not only are useful for this type of sand, but also may be extended to other types of granular materials too. The used method for detection what goes in the cell, without utilizing any external probe which may change the real conditions of the experiment cell, is another innovation of this study.