On dense granular flows down flat frictional inclines

We consider dense, relatively shallow flows of 3 mm glass spheres moving down a chute with a flat, frictional base of 3.6 m length. Sustained flows are observed at inclinations corresponding to an effective friction between the static and dynamic friction of individual grains. A capacitance instrument records the formation of waves with a dominant component traveling upstream. Simultaneous measurements of granular temperature at the base using a load cell reveal that the waves are accompanied by substantial reduction in granular agitation. A theory incorporating contributions from impulsive and enduring interactions with the base produces quantitative predictions for the range of sustained flows observed in the experiments. Closure of the theory is achieved using a balance between the production and dissipation of angular momentum in a narrow basal shear layer. A linear stability analysis of the corresponding hydraulic equations further suggests the origin of the waves. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.