Coriolis-induced instabilities in centrifuge modeling of granular flow

Abstract Granular flows are typically studied in laboratory flumes based on common similarity scaling, which create stress fields that only roughly approximate field conditions. The geotechnical centrifuge produces conditions closer to those observed the field, but steady can be hardly achieved. Moreover, secondary effects induced by apparent Coriolis acceleration, either dilate or compress flow, often obscure scaling. This work aims at studying a set of numerical experiments where acceleration measured and analyzed. Three flow states observed: dense, dilute, unstable. It is found generated under influence dilative accelerations likely become Nevertheless, dense still obtained if large used. A parametric group proposed predict insurgence instabilities; this parameter guide experimental designs could help avoid damage apparatus model instrumentation. Graphic abstract