Segregation of Bidisperse, Cohesive Granular Blends Under Vertical Vibration

Granular blends with at least two distinct particle size classes offer a wealth of complex behaviors that are absent from their monodisperse counterparts. In the processing of otherwise similar granular materials, size disparity can lead to de-mixing via particle segregation under certain conditions. In this work, we employ discrete element method simulations of a vertically vibrated granular bed to investigate the parameter space encompassing particle size disparity, fine particle mass fraction, particle cohesivity, and processing parameters, such as vessel fill height and vibration intensity, to demarcate the boundaries between different mixing and segregation regimes. Our work underscores the importance of considering both particle-scale interactions and mixture composition for developing a fundamental understanding of granular mixing processes under vertical vibration.