Velocity distributions and density fluctuations in a granular gas

TitleVelocity distributions and density fluctuations in a granular gas
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1999
AuthorsOlafsen, J. S., and Urbach J. S.
JournalPhysical Review E
Volume60
PaginationR2468-R2471
Abstract

Velocity distributions in a vibrated granular monolayer are investigated experimentally. Non-Gaussian velocity distributions are observed at low vibration amplitudes but cross over smoothly to Gaussian distributions as the amplitude is increased. Cross-correlations between fluctuations in density and temperature are present only when the velocity distributions are strongly non-Gaussian. Confining the expansion of the granular layer results in non-Gaussian velocity distributions that persist to high vibration amplitudes. [S1063-651X(99)50409-1].