GRANULAR MATERIAL Meaning and
Definition
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Granular material refers to a type of substance made up of individual particles or grains that are relatively small in size and uneven in shape. These particles can range from powdery fine to moderately coarse, with a size typically within the range of sand or smaller. Granular materials can be found in various natural and artificial environments, such as soils, sediments, powders, and grains.
The behavior and properties of granular materials are determined by their individual particle interactions rather than their chemical or molecular composition. Due to the nature of these interactions, granular materials often exhibit unique physical properties, such as the ability to flow, settle, compact, or form distinct angles of repose. Their behavior is further affected by factors such as density, friction, cohesion, and porosity.
Granular materials are commonly encountered in a wide range of industries, including construction, agriculture, mining, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. For instance, in construction, granular materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone are frequently used as fill materials or aggregates for making concrete. In agriculture, soils are considered granular materials, with their composition and characteristics determining their fertility and suitability for growth. The study of granular materials, known as granular physics or granular mechanics, has gained considerable significance in understanding the fundamental behavior and dynamics of these materials, facilitating their efficient utilization and management across various applications.
Etymology of GRANULAR MATERIAL
The word "granular" is derived from the Latin word "granulum", which means a small grain or seed. It is a diminutive form of "granum", meaning grain. The suffix "ar" in English is used to form adjectives, indicating a relation or association with the root word. Therefore, "granular" refers to something composed of or resembling small grains.
The term "material" originates from the Latin word "materia", which means substance, matter, or timber, with references to the physical matter of which something is composed. It has been adopted and adapted into various languages around the world, including English.
Combining these two origins, "granular material" refers to a substance or matter composed of or resembling small grains or particles.
