Granular materials, as a physical system, comprise large assemblies of discrete macroscopic particles that interact predominantly via contact forces, friction, and inelastic collisions, leading to inherently dissipative, non-equilibrium behavior. They exhibit dual solid-like and fluid-like responses depending on stress, packing fraction, and driving conditions, with phenomena such as jamming, dilatancy, force chains, and shear banding. Continuum descriptions often employ modified elasto-plastic or rheological models (e.g., μ(I) rheology), while discrete element methods resolve particle-scale dynamics. Their mechanical response is strongly history-dependent and non-linear, with emergent collective effects that challenge conventional thermodynamic and hydrodynamic formalisms.
Most of our experience with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) has focused on capturing radio signals that alien species have sent out, whether intentionally or unintentionally. That creates a huge "synchronicity" ...
Astrobiology
Sep 15, 2026
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In a new Nature Communications study, researchers developed a universal scaling framework for the strength of granular asteroids, showing that their tensile strength can be predicted from the size and shape of their constituent ...
When engineers look to nature for inspiration, they often turn to living systems. The flight of birds has influenced aircraft design, gecko feet inspired new adhesives and lotus leaves led to the development of self-cleaning ...
General Physics
Aug 27, 2026
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Sand, powders, and other collections of visible-sized grains are found throughout daily life, from food and pharmaceuticals to soils and industrial materials. When grains of similar size are arranged regularly, they can form ...
General Physics
Aug 19, 2026
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Can a crack be supersonic? Can the fracture that triggers an avalanche propagate faster than the limiting velocity predicted by classical fracture mechanics? The question remains the subject of debate within the scientific ...
Earth Sciences
Aug 5, 2026
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Building material samples from the University of Delaware spent six months mounted outside the International Space Station, where the harsh conditions of low Earth orbit tested their limits.
Space Exploration
Jul 8, 2026
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The strength of gravity is different on every body in the solar system. Whether it's the crushing weight of Jupiter or the minuscule pull of a small asteroid, this fundamental force of physics still has a major impact on ...
Planetary Sciences
Jun 3, 2026
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Research by the Arkansas Rice Processing Program is showing valuable insights for rice farmers that affect their take-home pay and the quality of rice for food makers. Over the past two years, in cooperation with the global ...
Agriculture
Apr 29, 2026
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Between the Artemis Program, the ESA's Moon Village, and the Sino-Russian International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), the next step in space exploration is clear: we're going back to the moon, and this time, to stay! This ...
Planetary Sciences
Apr 20, 2026
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Two microscopic grains collide and produce a tiny spark. This phenomenon may have provided the energy to kick off life on Earth. But if these solid particles have the same composition, what factor causes the charge to flow ...
Astrobiology
Mar 18, 2026
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