Theory 03/Granular Physics
Segregation Needs a Size Gap
The claim
Granular segregation occurs only above a critical size ratio between particles, so mixtures with a modest size difference mix indefinitely.
01The mechanism
Percolation of small particles through the voids between large ones requires the voids to be large enough; below the ratio, the small particles cannot percolate.
02Predictions
- P1Segregation should start at a size ratio threshold.
- P2Mixtures below the ratio should stay mixed.
03Refutation
Segregation scaling smoothly from zero size difference would remove the threshold.