The Brazil Nut Effect, a phenomenon observed in granular physics, explains why larger, lighter particles like Brazil nuts rise to the top of a mixture when shaken. This occurs due to percolation, where smaller particles settle into the spaces between larger ones, allowing the larger particles to rise. Key factors influencing this effect include density, particle size ratios, and the shapes of the particles involved. This concept is applicable in various fields, including food science and material engineering.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for physicists, material scientists, food technologists, and anyone interested in the behavior of granular materials and their applications in real-world scenarios.
Density is not the answer. Percolation is. Think of it this way: if you have a bunch of billiards balls in a big container and pour sand on them, and shake, what happens? The sand, being smaller, finds empty spaces and works its way to the bottom of the container. Repeat with BB's and the same thing happens. Repeat with marbles and the same thing happens. As it turns out, it doesn't take much difference in particle size for the small particles to settle to the bottom and the big ones to percolate to the top.billy_boy_999 said:thank you guys...
the density seems a simple satisfying explanation for the brazil nuts and for the ping pong ball...but is the steel ball lighter than the same volume of sand? the shells lighter than the soil? now i am going crazy...i will try googling on granular physics, thank you...