We study the rheology and flow properties of dry, liquid-saturated (suspensions) or cohesive (powders) granular media in order to better understand the mechanisms involved in their transport, mixing and storage. We seek to understand, mainly through experimental approaches, the role of local stresses (vibration, shear, turbulence) and inter-particle interactions on their behaviour under stationary and unsteady flow conditions. Experimental studies are complemented by theoretical models and numerical simulations of DEM and CFD type.
This activity falls within the framework of the European project “PowderReg” carried out by our team and which brings together 6 laboratories in the greater region working on a common theme related to granular media.