Dynamic characteristics of granular materials under horizontal shaking

This thesis investigates the dynamic characteristics of a granular material subjected to horizontal shaking. Motion was induced in a single- particle thick layer of material contained within a Plexiglas box using a small shake table, and data was recorded onto digital video. Variables considered included the frequency and amplitude of the shaking as well as the initial static depth of the granular layer. Analysis of the moving component involved determining the characteristics that cause motion, evaluating changes in the moving layer, and establishing the amount of decompaction the particles experience. It was determined that both the amplitude and frequency affect the onset of particle motion, rate of increase in moving particles, and amount of decompaction. The initial layer depth does not affect the conditions at the onset of particle motion, but the results are inconclusive as to whether or not it influences the amount of decompaction --Abstract, page iii