• Korea-Australia Rheology Journal
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.55-67
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• 2000

In this paper, an experimental study of the rheological behavior of granular flow in a new type of storage silo is presented. The main characteristic of the new design is a hexagonal shape chosen with the objective of minimizing the stresses applied to the stored grains, and to reduce grain damage during the filling and emptying processes. Measurements of stress distribution and flow patterns are shown for a variety of granular materials. Because of the design of the silo, the granular material adopts its natural rest angle at all times eliminating collisional stresses and impacts between grains. A homogeneous, low friction flow is naturally achieved which provides a controlled stress distribution throughout the silo during filling and emptying. Secondary dynamic stresses, which are responsible for wall failure in conventional silos of the vertical type, are completely eliminated. A comparison between the two geometries is presented with data obtained for these silos and a number of granular materials. The discharge pattern inhibits powder formation in the silo and the filling system virtually eliminates unwanted material packing. Finally, notwithstanding the rheological advantages of this new design, the hexagonal cells that constitute the silo have many other advantages, such as the possible use of solar energy to control the humidity inside them. The cell type design allows for versatile storage capabilities and the elevation above the ground provides unlimited transportation facilities during emptying.