(55c) Jamming In Granular Systems

This talk focuses on jamming of particles in a bladed mixer geometry.  Simple analyses and discrete element method (DEM) computer simulations are used to investigate the conditions that result in particles jamming between the mixer blade and container.  Preliminary findings have shown that the gap-to-particle diameter ratio and friction coefficient have a significant influence on the likelihood that particles will jam.  Limiting values of these properties are observed.  The blade speed and bed depth are found to play only a secondary role.