Experimental Measurements and Theoritical Analysis of Granular Material Pressures and Velocity Fields in Silos and Hoppers

摘要

The measurements of normal and tangential pressures exerted by granular materials on full-scale silo walls are carried out using special transducers. The pressures are measured during both filling and emptying procedures. The results show that the pressures vary widely according to the flow patterns during emptying. One aspect of the frictional behaviour on wall that has been analysed shows the non-linear variation of the wall friction during discharge. The particles velocity has a major effect on the force transmitted on the wall. This is a reason why experimental and theoretical investigations on the velocity fields of granular materials in small-scale silos and hoppers are being developed.