Key connection between gravitational instability in physical gels and granular media

We study gravitationally-driven (Rayleigh–Taylor-like) instability in physical gels as a model for the behavior of granular media falling under gravity; physical gels have a structural elasticity and may be fluidized, capturing both the solid and liquid properties of granular systems. Though ubiquitous in both industrial and natural contexts, the unique static and dynamic properties of granular media remain poorly understood. Under the action of a gravitational force, granular materials may flow while exhibiting heterogeneous rigidity, as seen during e.g., avalanches or landslides. Though the onset of this gravitational “instability” has been addressed, the mechanism behind its incidence is not yet understood. We find key quantitative similarities between Rayleigh–Taylor-like instability in physical gels and granular systems. In particular, we identify a common scaling law, showing that the instability is chiefly governed by the thickness of the flowable region.