Numerical Solution to the Shearing Flow of Granular Materials

Studying flows of granular materials has become a major research initiative. One of the major challenges facing the designers of coal gasification plants is to assure reliable and efficient movement of solid particles into and out of high-pressure, high-temperature processing units such as fluidized beds. The more traditional approach of continuum mechanics still is used in many instances. Presently, there is no complete and full understanding of the constitutive relations that are needed for closure. We study the shearing flow of granular materials between two horizontal flat plates. The material coefficient such as viscosity and normal stress coefficient are not constant. The governing equations are non-dimensionalized and the resulting system of non-linear differential equations is solved numerically.