The results of experimental investigations into particle segregation in a binary mixture which is subject to periodic horizontal forcing will be presented. The initially mixed state undergoes a surprising self-organization process such that the two constituent components separate to form patterned structures. The pattern formation process shows critical dependence on the concentration ratio of the mixture. Detailed features of the observations appear to be in accord with notions from equilibrium phase transitions and the type of transition depends on particle shape.
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester