Downs JG, Smith ND, Mandadapu KK, Garrahan JP, Smith MI. Topographic Control of Order in Quasi-2D Granular Phase Transitions.
Phys Rev Lett 2021;
127:268002. [PMID:
35029468 DOI:
10.1103/physrevlett.127.268002]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We experimentally investigate the nature of 2D phase transitions in a quasi-2D granular fluid. Using a surface decorated with periodically spaced dimples we observe interfacial tension between coexisting granular liquid and crystal phases. Measurements of the orientational and translational order parameters and associated susceptibilities indicate that the surface topography alters the order of the phase transition from a two-step continuous one to a first-order liquid-solid one. The interplay of boundary inelasticity and geometry, either order promoting or inhibiting, controls whether it is the granular crystal or the granular fluid which makes contact with the edge. This order induced wetting has important consequences, determining how coexisting phases separate spatially.
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