Simple equation predicts force needed to push objects through granular and pasty materials
Monday, August 29, 2016 - 12:01
in Physics & Chemistry
For those of you who take sandcastle building very seriously, listen up: MIT engineers now say you can trust a very simple equation to calculate the force required to push a shovel—and any other "intruder"— through sand. The team also found that the same concept, known as the resistive force theory, can generate useful equations for cohesive materials like muds.