On the mass flow rate from silos with lateral exit holes

Abstract

The mass flow rate, $\overset{\cdot }{m}$, associated with the lateral outflow of dry, cohesionless granular material through circular orifices of diameter $D$ made in vertical walls of silos was measured experimentally in order to determine also the influence of the wall thickness of the silo, $w$. Geometrical arguments, based on the outflow happening, are given in order to have a general correlation for $\overset{\cdot }{m}$ embracing both quantities, $D$ and $w$. The angle of repose appears to be an important characterization factor in these kinds of flows.