Particle segregation in vibrofluidized beds due to buoyant forces - art. no. 084302

We utilize two-dimensional discrete element computer simulations to investi gate the equilibrium position of an impurity in a vibrofluidized bed of oth erwise homogeneous particles. The steady state equilibrium height of the im purity increases with increasing vibration velocity amplitude and decreases with the impurity to the surrounding particle density ratio. A simple mode l whereby the impurity weight is balanced by a "buoyant" force due to the s urrounding particle impacts makes a good prediction of the impurity positio n.