Sinking dynamics and splitting of a granular droplet

A granular droplet that is composed of smaller and denser particles in a bed larger lighter found to sink split when subjected combination vibration fluidizing gas flow. Despite visual similarities with fluid-like instabilities, the observed phenomenon result particulate character matter. Combining experiments numerical simulations, we show high-density causes formation an immobilized zone obstructs downwards motion spread ultimately split. We further investigate conditions required for splitting.