Probing 3D Velocity Distributions Insights from a Vibrated Dual-Species Granular System

Abstract: We explore the velocity distributions in a vibrated binary granular gas system, focusing on how these distributions are influenced by the coefficient of restitution (CoR) and the inelasticity of particle collisions. Through molecular dynamics simulations, we examine the system's behavior for a range of CoR values below unity: specifically, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, and 0.95. We track the evolution of velocity distributions as the system approaches a non-equilibrium steady state. Our findings reveal a clear departure from the classical Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, with increasing deviations as CoR decreases, indicating non-equipartition of energy between the two particle types. This behavior underscores the intricate dynamics inherent in inelastic collisions and highlights the significance of particle inelasticity in determining the system's velocity distributions. These results provide insight into non-equilibrium statistical mechanics and have implications for real-world applications where granular materials are subject to external vibrations.