Density-Driven segregation in Binary and Ternary Granular Systems

We present a first experimental study of density-induced segregation within a three-dimensional, vibrofluidised, ternary granular system. Using Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT), we study the steady-state particle distributions achieved by binary and ternary granular beds under a variety of differing system parameters. In doing so, we determine the extent to which the segregative processes in ternary systems resemble their comparatively well-researched binary counterparts. We examine the influence of particle elasticity on the system, demonstrating the existence of a significant parameter range for which the effects of inelasticity-induced segregation may be safely neglected. Finally, we investigate the existence of a causal link between convective motion within a system and the segregative behaviours observed.