Single Particle Dynamics in Granular Systems

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Particle Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 644

Special Issue Editors

The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
Interests: bulk solids handling; powder flowability; particle technology; powder characterization; particle adhesion and cohesion; surface energy of particles; mechanical surface energy testing; powder rheology; segregation and blending of powders; granular material behavior; pharmaceutical powder processing; food powder handling; additive manufacturing powders; biomass and solid waste handling; storage systems (hoppers, silos); sustainable material handling technologies; process optimization efficiency; energy and environmental applications; industrial problem-solving in solids handling
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Guest Editor
Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB—Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO), 708 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
Interests: granular materials; mineral processing; particle physics; numerical modelling; empirical modelling; simulations; DEM; bulk behaviour

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Single particle dynamics in granular systems investigates the motion, interactions, and energy exchanges of individual grains within larger particulate assemblies. Unlike classical fluids or solids, granular media display hybrid behaviours, and comprehending single-particle trajectories and collision processes is crucial for explaining macroscopic phenomena such as jamming, segregation, and wave propagation. This Special Issue welcomes original research that integrates theoretical modelling, computational simulations, and numerical experiments to elucidate mechanisms governing grain-scale dynamics. Topics include particle hopping, rolling, sliding, and diffusive transport under varied conditions of confinement, vibration, shear, and flow. Studies addressing the influence of particle shape, size distribution, surface roughness, and interstitial fluids are particularly encouraged. Authors may employ discrete element methods, high-speed imaging, to quantify force networks, velocity distributions, and energy dissipation pathways. We aim to bridge the gap between grain-level physics and continuum descriptions, enhancing predictive capabilities for industrial processes, geophysical flows, and manufacturing. By highlighting fundamental insights into single-particle behaviour, this collection aspires to advance the understanding and control of granular materials across scientific and engineering domains. These insights inform industrial applications.

Authors are encouraged to share supplementary materials, including data sets, models, simulations, or design frameworks that may aid replication or further exploration by the research community. Contributions with practical implications, cross-disciplinary perspectives, and real-world case studies are especially welcome.

We look forward to your contributions and to collectively advancing the technologies that will shape a more sustainable and energy-efficient world.

Dr. Vivek Garg
Prof. Dr. Jan Nečas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • single-particle dynamics
  • granular materials
  • discrete element modelling
  • energy dissipation
  • collision processes
  • continuum descriptions
  • particle transport

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

25 pages, 12421 KB  
Article
Regulatory Mechanisms of Particle Dynamics and Deposition Distribution in Bend Pipes with Curvature Ratio
by Tianyu Gong, Youhang Zhou, Xuan Tang, Zhenhai Liu, Ding Li and Yuqin Xiao
Processes 2026, 14(8), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14081261 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 340
Abstract
Curvature ratio (δ) governs secondary flows in gas–solid two-phase flow through bends, thereby affecting particle dynamics and leading to non-uniform wall deposition and increased erosion risk. In this study, a coupled Reynolds stress model (RSM) and Discrete phase model (DPM) framework [...] Read more.
Curvature ratio (δ) governs secondary flows in gas–solid two-phase flow through bends, thereby affecting particle dynamics and leading to non-uniform wall deposition and increased erosion risk. In this study, a coupled Reynolds stress model (RSM) and Discrete phase model (DPM) framework was employed. A wall contact model incorporating adhesion, rebound, and removal mechanisms was implemented via a User-Defined Function (UDF). The spatial distribution and deposition characteristics of particles with different inertia (Stokes number range: 0.020 ≤ St ≤ 30.176) were systematically investigated in the range of δ = 2.0~3.5. The results reveal a distinct inertial dependence in particle spatial distribution: particles with St < 1 exhibit a “high-dispersion, weak-aggregation” pattern, whereas those with St > 1 form an “outer-wall agglomeration, inner-wall cavity” characteristic. As δ increases, the secondary flow intensity decreases while the effective centrifugal path lengthens. Governed by the combined effects of the effective collision coefficient (Rc) and effective adhesion rate (ηa), particle deposition is inhibited for St < 1 but enhanced for St > 1. This study advances the understanding of deposition under geometric constraints and provides a basis for optimizing pipeline design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Single Particle Dynamics in Granular Systems)
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