Discover the physics of the material that breaks all the rules
Discover the physics of the material that breaks all the rules
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This summer, look beyond the sandcastle.
We all know sand is perfect for days at the beach, but did you know it is also one of the most mysterious materials in the universe? It flows like water, stands firm like rock, and can even act like a gas—all depending on how you handle it.
Come and witness the chaos! Join us for a spectacular showcase of the science beneath our feet. We are on a mission to find the "master equation" for granular materials, and we need your help.
Watch solid ground turn into liquid mud in our earthquake simulator.
Trigger your own miniature avalanches.
Discover how physics saves your summer travels (and winter commutes) by solving the "leaves on the line" crisis.
Play our interactive simulator—can you beat the physics engine?
It’s complex. It’s everywhere. And it’s ready to be explored.
Activity 1: Avalanche Slope
Activity 1: Avalanche Slope
The Mix Matters: The combination of large and small grains changes the direction of deadly flows, proving that distribution is more important than size alone.
Activity 2: Soil Liquefaction
Activity 2: Soil Liquefaction
Soil liquefaction (where earthquakes turn solid ground into liquid mud), we study these rapid state changes to better predict natural disasters.
Activity 3: Stay on Track
Activity 3: Stay on Track
We demonstrate how granular physics is being used to solve the "leaves on the line" crisis, helping trains grip slippery rails.
Activity 4: Grain Explorer Station
Activity 4: Grain Explorer Station
We get close to a selection of materials to show that not only is every type different, but every single grain is unique.
Activity 5: Shapeshifting
Activity 5: Shapeshifting
We use a simple hourglass to show how a simple shake can make grains transition instantly from solid, to liquid, to gas.
Activity 6: Gaming the System
Activity 6: Gaming the System
Our interactive simulator lets visitors try their hand at modelling these complex flows.
A week of discovering the weird and wonderful world of granular materials
A week of discovering the weird and wonderful world of granular materials
The Science of Shifting Sands
The Chameleon Effect: First, discover why granular materials are the shapeshifters of the physical world. Sand isn't just a solid; it transitions instantly between solid, liquid, and gas—breaking the rules we learned in school.
The Hidden Giant: Next, realise that these materials are everywhere. From the food we eat to the concrete we walk on, we highlight the invisible connection between industrial processes, dangerous natural disasters, and the bowl of cereal on your breakfast table.
The Unsolved Puzzle: Finally, explore why the material we use the most is the one we understand the least. We convey the massive scale of the modelling challenge: How do you write and solve equations for a billion unique grains of sand interacting all at once?
For more information about the event see the Royal Society website
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