A simple kinetic theory for granular flow of binary mixtures of smooth, inelastic, spherical particles (Q1086099)

Following the approach of the kinetic theory for mixtures of dense gases, the general conservation equations for the rapid flow of a binary mixture of smooth, inelastic, spherical granular particles are derived. Explicit constitutive relations for stress and rate of energy dissipation are obtained by making simple approximations for the particle velocity distribution functions. These approximations are appropriate for cases where collisional interactions are the dominant mechanism for momentum and energy exchange in the system. The theory is applied to the case of simple shear flow. In general, the theory predicts that stresses decrease with increasing concentration of the small particles and decreasing diameter ratio of small to large particles. Theoretical predictions of stresses are compared with experimental results and reasonable agreement is found.