The collisional flow of a slightly inelastic granular material down a rough inclined
plane is usually described by kinetic theories. We present an experimental study
aimed at analysing the assumptions and the quantitative predictions of such theories.
A two-dimensional channel coupled to a model granular material and image analysis
allow detailed and complete measurement of the kinematics and structure of the
flows. We determine the range of inclination and particle flux for which the flow is
stationary and uniform. The characteristic profiles of solid fraction, mean velocity and
granular temperature are systematically measured. Both the true collisional and the
dilute kinetic regimes are examined. We show that a quasi-hydrodynamic description
of these regimes seems relevant, and that the pressure and the viscosity terms are in
good qualitative agreement with the prediction of the kinetic theory. The profiles are
well described by the kinetic theory near the top of the flow, at low solid fraction.
Conversely there are large discrepancies near the rough plane, where the material is
structured in layers.
Experimental study of gravitation effects in the flow of a particle-laden thin film on an inclined plane
