EPJ Web of Conferences 249, 03020 (2021)
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202124903020

Improved evaluation of granular media flows using an X-ray scanning compatible cone-plate setup

¹ Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands
² Institute of Physics, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
³ Inst. of Fluid Dynamics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany

Published online: 7 June 2021

Abstract

To understand the typically heterogeneous flowing behavior of granular materials, it is important to combine flow tests with three-dimensional imaging. To probe the flow behavior of granular materials over a wide range of flow rates, it is imperative to be able to impose such flow rates in a well controlled manner while performing imaging tests that are compatible with all imposed flow rates. Achieving both flow control and bulk imaging capacity is challenging for a number of reasons. Here, we describe the design of a setup in which we are able to do imaging while imposing a constant overall shear rate on a granular material. We characterize the setup in which flow tests will be performed, which consists of a bottom-driven cone-plate or double-cone design. We show that the setup can be integrated in x-ray microtomography devices to aid particle tracking based flow measurements. The design is also compatible with typical rheometer setups. We also perform high speed imaging of a granular flow in an ultra-fast x-ray scanner, for which we provide proof-of-principle data in a simplified shear setup. The designed flow geometry is also compatible with said high speed imaging facility, where particle image velocimetry can be employed to extract quantitative flow field data.