Froude number scaling unifies impact trajectories into cohesionless granular media across gravitational conditions

Journal of Rheology 2026

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Authors: Peter Miklavcic, E. N. Tokar, Esteban Wright, Paul Sánchez, Rachel Glade, Alice C. Quillen, Hesam Askari
DOI: 10.1122/8.0001079
Cited by: 1
References: 31

Abstract

We examine the role of gravity on surface impact behavior into cohesionless granular media. Using hundreds of soft-sphere discrete element simulations, we demonstrate that the outcome of impacts remains qualitatively similar under varying gravitational conditions when initial velocities are scaled with the Froude number, suggesting an underlying law. Using granular dynamic resistive force theory, we provide reasoning for the observed universality and show that Froude number scaling precisely collapses impact trajectories across gravitational conditions within a set of assumptions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Granular flow and fluidized beds Material Dynamics and Properties Sports Dynamics and Biomechanics

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Rheology
Publisher
Society of Rheology
Volume
70
Issue
3
Pages
525–531
Publication date
21 April 2026
Language
EN