Using experiments with anisotropic vibrated rods and quasi-2D numerical simulations, we show that shape plays an important role in the collective dynamics of self-propelled (SP) particles. We demonstrate that SP rods exhibit local ordering, aggregation at the side walls, and clustering absent in round SP particles. Furthermore, we find that at sufficiently strong excitation SP rods engage in a persistent swirling motion in which the velocity is strongly correlated with particle orientation.

We present an experimental study of velocity statistics for a partial layer of inelastic colliding beads driven by a vertically oscillating boundary. Over a wide range of parameters (accelerations 3-8 times the gravitational acceleration), the probability distribution P (v) deviates measurably from a Gaussian for the two horizontal velocity components. It can be described by P (v) ∼ exp(−|v/v c | 1.5 ), in agreement with a recent theory. The characteristic velocity v c is proportional to the peak velocity of the boundary. The granular temperature, defined as the mean square particle velocity, varies with particle density and exhibits a maximum at intermediate densities. On the other hand, for free cooling in the absence of excitation, we find an exponential velocity distribution. Finally, we examine the sharing of energy between particles of different mass. The more massive particles are found to have greater kinetic energy. PACS: 83.70.Fn, 05.20.Dd, 83.10.Pp Typeset using REVT E X 1 We determine the statistical properties of particles in a vibrated granular medium experimentally. While many similarities between ordinary gases and excited granular media have been found, a fundamental difference is that collisions between particles in granular matter are inelastic. As a consequence, the velocity distribution deviates measurably from a Gaussian, but can be described by P (v) ∼ exp(−|v/v c | 1.5 ) for a large range of parameters where external excitation is sufficiently frequent, in agreement with a recent theory.

International audienceWe report novel superlattice wave patterns at the interface of a fluid layer driven vertically. These patterns are described most naturally in terms of two interacting hexagonal sublattices. Two frequency forcing at very large aspect ratio is utilized in this work. A superlattice pattern (“superlattice-I”) consisting of two hexagonal lattices oriented at a relative angle of 22° is obtained with a 6:7 ratio of forcing frequencies. Several theoretical approaches that may be useful in understanding this pattern have been proposed. In another example, the waves are fully described by two superimposed hexagonal lattices with a wavelength ratio of \sqrt{3}, oriented at a relative angle of 30°. The time dependence of this “superlattice-II” wave pattern is unusual. The instantaneous patterns reveal a time-periodic stripe modulation that breaks the sixfold symmetry at any instant, but the stripes are absent in the time average. The instantaneous patterns are not simply amplitude modulations of the primary standing wave. A transition from the superlattice-II state to a 12-fold quasi-crystalline pattern is observed by changing the relative phase of the two forcing frequencies. Phase diagrams of the observed patterns (including superlattices, quasicrystalline patterns, ordinary hexagons, and squares) are obtained as a function of the amplitudes and relative phases of the driving accelerations

We review recent developments in size separation in vibrated granular materials. Motivated by a need in industry to efficiently handle granular materials and a desire to make fundamental advances in non-equilibrium physics, experimental and theoretical investigations have shown size separation to be a complex phenomena. Large particles in a vibrated granular system invariably rise to the top. However, they may also sink to the bottom, or show other patterns depending on subtle variations in physical conditions. While size ratio is a dominant factor, particle specific properties such as density, inelasticity and friction can play an important role. The nature of the energy input, boundary conditions and interstitial air have been also shown to be significant factors in determining spatial distributions. The presence of convection can enhance mixing or lead to size separation. Experimental techniques including direct visualization and magnetic resonance imaging are being used to investigate these properties. Molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation techniques have been developed to probe size separation. Analytical methods such as kinetic theory are being used to study the interplay between particle size and density in the vibrofluidized regime, and geometric models have been proposed to describe size separation for deep beds. Besides discussing these studies, we will also review the impact of inelastic collision and friction on the density and velocity distributions to gain a deeper appreciation of the non-equilibrium nature of the system. While a substantial number of studies have been accomplished, considerable work is still required to achieve a firm description of the phenomena.