Dynamics Of A Single Particle Falling Through A Funnel: An Analysis Of The Effects Of Friction On Average Trajectory Duration

The objective of this research was to investigate the phenomena simulated by Zhang et. al. concerning a single frictional, inelastic sphere falling through a funnel. Zhang asserts that for funnel walls angled greater than 45 degrees above the horizontal, certain phenomena – such as the trend of average duration increasing as the angle increases – become extremely evident. These trends are important considerations when one is using a funnel system in order to accomplish a task such as limiting exit velocity or minimizing duration of time spent within the funnel. After plotting the average duration of a single acrylic sphere falling at various locations along the length of the funnel wall, we concluded that Zhang’s assertions do not hold true for every case.