1 INTRODUCTIO 11 Physical Models The first modern gravity flow model tests with an engineering purpose were probably those performed by E. Lufit around 1910. The results of these studies were published in 1920 in Berlin under the title “Druckverhaltnisse In Silozellen” (Pressure Conditions in Silos). He used a sand model to represent an axial, vertical section of the silo through its outlet for making observations of the gravity flow. The front wall was constructed from glass which enabled the observation of the gravity flow of sand in the silo, In order to add clarity to the observations, alternating horizontal iavers of dark and light sand were placed in the model. The subsequent phases of the gravity flow in the silo model are shown in Figure 1.0-1 [after E. Lufft (1920). re 1.01 (After Lufft 1920), (Publisher unknown) It is possible to distinguish three basic types or groups of models for use in gravity flow testing. This is not a rigorous definition of an explicit group but rather only a practical assignment based upon the different testing capabilities offered by them, Type A: Classical Gravity Flow Models. The model tests are performed using horizontal layers. These indicate certain kinds of gravity flow movement in two dimensions. © Type B: Two-Dimensional Models With An Arbitrary Filling. These models are still of an axial vertical section but with an arbitrarily arranged filling material such as a black and white checker-board. However, in this model type, any pattern can, in principle, be used. In addition, after any phase of model extraction, another pattern or a set of markers can be ‘added to the model filling to better study the gravity flow in two dimensions. © Type C: Three-dimensional Models and Tests (Including In-situ Testing, Bins, Silos, etc.) Although we constructed our first models more than fifly years ago, the same principles can be used even today. Naturally, the original primitive construction of the models, their laborious filling and the length of testing can be considerably improved by modem machine tools and more efficient testing methods, Such models helpful in understanding and solving certain gravity flow problems, We will introduce the principles of their construction in the following few ps es. 15. ‘Type A - Classic Gravity Flow Models Type A models are the simplest type of models, They are characterized as having a vertical axis of the yy flow that intersects the center of an extraction opening located on the bottom of the bin or silo. Certain deviations occur when the outlet is located in the wall of the bin but these phenomena will be discussed later. To observe the gravity flow movement, the model must be Vertical with a horizontally layered filling. A typical model is shown in Figure 1.2-1, Thick layers of white filling are separated by thin dark layers. The gravity motion of the model filling can beel and panel observed by following the deformation of the 0 the beginning phase of the gravity flow nally horizontal black lines. Figure 1.2-1 shows ec anne teeter eineeiniiits il tact eet ne ed Figure 12-1 Figure 1.2-2 illustrates typical model construction, During the filling of the model the layers can be Terent thickness and color. The basic material used in most of the model tests was sand made 1 white marble. It was colored using aniline (chemical) dyes containi patticles, At the time the experiments were performed, these dyes were supplied by the LG Company. The dye-sand mixture was placed in a cylindrical drum and rotated over a heat so drive off all of the moisture. It is important to note that quartz sand does not take up the dy hence is not appropriate for such tests.Vertical lifting of the Funnel from plexi glass Glass pipe determines a The thickness of the ores = Horizontal sliding rider i 4 “Which holds a glass pipe SEC i Glass pipe Back wall From plywood Movement | ‘Spreading ! Thickness || Of the pipe | | Nozzle from | of The layer || For filling plexiglass NOT TO SCALE Closed outlet Width of The model filling Figure 12-2. Schematic of Model Although different methods and techniques can be used for filling the model, the construction shown in Figure 1.2-2, which consists of a sliding rider, glass-pipe, and funnel has been found to be ¢ most practical. Its sufficiently precise for depositing even very thin layers. The model, oriented 2 vertical position, is filled from the bottom upward through a funnel, glass pipe and spreading nozzle. Naturally the width of the spreading nozzle and the width of the sliding rider can be changed according to the width of the model and the filling thickness, respectively. The front wall is tructed of glass. For safety reasons, the thickness of the glass must be sufficient to prevent Jure due to the lateral forces induced by filling materials in the model. The glass wall is attached to the model frame by wooden (hardwood) strips, 13 Type B — Two-Dimensional Models With An Arbitrary Filling. ype B models permit a more detailed study of the gravity flow and/or the carrying out of special tasks that require a more complex model filling configuration than can be achieved with the Type A ‘odels, In principle, filling arrangements of any kind can be achieved using Type B models. The specific features used in order to enable an arbitrary model-filling pattern in such models are best ne example shown in Figure 1.3-1 explained by