Granular convection

Unsolved problem in physics
What is the definitive explanation for why this phenomenon occurs?
More unsolved problems in physics
In a serving of mixed nuts, the larger Brazil nuts will often end up on the surface

Granular convection is a phenomenon where granular material subjected to shaking or vibration will exhibit circulation patterns similar to types of fluid convection. It is sometimes called the Brazil nut effect, when the largest of irregularly shaped particles end up on the surface of a granular material containing a mixture of variously sized objects. This name derives from the example of a typical container of mixed nuts, in which the largest will be Brazil nuts.

Under experimental conditions, granular convection of variously sized particles has been observed forming convection cells similar to fluid motion.

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