Heat flux in a vibrated granular gas: the diffusive heat conductivity coefficient

Abstract

The transport coefficient coupling heat flux and density gradient in a granular gas is measured by taking advantage of the existence of a minimum in the temperature profile of an open vibrated granular medium. This temperature inversion is closely related to the existence of the new transport coefficient. Particle simulations using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method will be used to compute the transport coefficient, and the results will be compared with theoretical predictions derived from the Boltzmann equation. Finally, the accuracy of a boundary condition requiring the hydrodynamic heat flux to vanish for infinite heights will be discussed.