Advanced virtual course on Modeling Granular Processes for Energy and Environment (GPE)

Granular materials such as soils, powders and pharmaceutical products constitute the most abundant form of solid matter on Earth. Composed of a large number of grains interacting via frictional contacts and/or cohesive forces, they defy the standard scheme of classification in terms of solid, liquid, and gas. Their complex behavior has been at the focus of contemporary research in physics, mechanics, chemistry and geosciences. Today, the models and methods developed for two decades in this field represent a vast potential for application to technological and societal challenges related to energy, materials and environment. The aim of this course is to provide a general introduction to both classical and modern concepts, models and methods developed for granular materials with a view of application to research issues in energy and environment. To bridge the gap between basic concepts and applications, several environmental granular processes and the related research issues are covered. As numerical simulations play a crucial role in modern research on granular processes, several methods will be introduced. Furthermore, an important part of the course will be focused on the multiscale modeling of granular materials from particle interactions and particle-scale inhomogeneities up to their collective and rheological behavior at the macroscopic scale.