We perform molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (based on the soft-sphere model) of a model dry granular system consisting of two types of spherical particles differing in size and/or density to characterize particle-particle momentum transfer (solid drag). The velocity difference between two types of particles is specified in the initial conditions, and the evolution of relative mean velocity and the velocity fluctuations in terms of granular temperature are quantified. The dependence of the momentum transfer is studied as a function of volume fraction, size and density ratio of the two types of particles, inelasticity, and friction coefficient. An existing continuum model of particle-particle momentum transfer is compared to the MD simulations. A modified continuum solid drag model is suggested for a limited range of parameters.

Issue Section:
Special Section on the Fluid Mechanics and Rheology of Nonlinear Materials at the Macro, Micro and Nano Scale
Keywords:
disperse systems, molecular dynamics method, granular flow, flow simulation, elasticity, friction, continuum mechanics
Topics:
Flow (Dynamics), Momentum, Particulate matter, Molecular dynamics simulation, Drag (Fluid dynamics), Density, Friction
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