Narrow Results

We consider the free evolution of systems of granular particles whose dynamics is characterized by a collision rule which preserves the total momentum, but dissipates the kinetic energy. Starting from an inelastic version of a minimal model proposed by Ulam for a gas of Maxwell molecules, we introduce a new lattice model aimed at investigating the role of dynamical correlations and the onset of spatial order induced by the inelasticity of the interactions. We study, in one- and two-dimensional cases, the velocity distribution, the decay of the energy, the formation of spatial structures and topological defects. Finally, we relate our findings to other models known in other fields.

We consider the free evolution of systems of granular particles whose dynamics is characterized by a collision rule which preserves the total momentum, but dissipates the kinetic energy. Starting from an inelastic version of a minimal model proposed by Ulam for a gas of Maxwell molecules, we introduce a new lattice model aimed at investigating the role of dynamical correlations and the onset of spatial order induced by the inelasticity of the interactions. We study, in one- and two-dimensional cases, the velocity distribution, the decay of the energy, the formation of spatial structures and topological defects. Finally, we relate our findings to other models known in other fields.