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About This Simulation
Learn how to design huge constructions called silos and perform soil mechanics tests to obtain the properties of powdered material. Observe the flow of bulk solids inside a silo and understand the principle of a pneumatic conveying pump.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of storing bulk solids in silos
- Distinguish between mass flow and funnel flow of the bulk solids
- Learn the basic soil properties that can be assessed by soil mechanics tests
- Learn how to perform a direct shear test
- Learn how to design a silo for given material properties
- Learn the basic elements of the pneumatic conveying system
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Direct shear test
Related Standards
- No direct alignment
- No direct alignment
- No direct alignment
Learn More About This Simulation
While trying to store grains, ancient Greeks created large constructions, commonly known as silos. These are still used in the present day. Many types of powdered material, such as food or pharmaceutical products, have to be stored for long periods of time without being exposed to any kind of contaminating substances or weather conditions. In the silo design simulation, you will be taught the main aspects of the silo design process.
The flow of bulk solids
You will meet Mike the engineer and discuss the need of a silo construction to store a massive amount of sand. The silo has to be designed according to the properties of the material you want to store. You have to decide whether your sand is a Newtonian or a Hookean material. In the silo design simulation, you have the chance to observe the flow of bulk solids from inside the silo.
Direct shear test
In order to identify the material properties of the sand, you need to perform a direct shear test. The outcome of this experiment will determine the friction angle of the sand and the wall material of the silo. Messy and time consuming experiments can be conducted in a small amount of time. The angle and opening of the silo will be designed according to your findings.
Pneumatic conveying system
Once you manage to create a silo to store huge amounts of sand, you need to understand the main principles of a pneumatic conveying system, in order to transfer the sand across long vertical distances.
Will you be able to store sand so far away from the nearest beach?
For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
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FAQs
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A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
Yes, Labster is compatible with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, Moodle, and many others. Students can access Labster like any other assignment. If your institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log into Labster’s Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide which is the best access method.
Labster is available for purchase by instructors, faculty, and administrators at education institutions. Purchasing our starter package, Labster Explorer, can be done using a credit card if you are located in the USA, Canada, or Mexico. If you are outside of North America or are choosing a higher plan, please speak with a Labster sales representative. Compare plans.
Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.