The multiple collisions and friction between particles make the model extremely non-linear and difficult to simulate. This paper describes only a simplified model of the newly discovered oscillon phenomenon. However, it could contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of granular media. In particular, it is shown that while externally excited, the granular media can reveal at least two stable oscillation regimes, that can coexist one near the other and survive for a long time. It is known that it can not be treated as a liquid and its mathematical description is rather complicated.
Computer simulation can help to point out some interesting properties.
They vibrated a tray with brass balls of 0.1 millimeter in radius up and down with frequencies between 10 and 100 cycles per second. Though the media resembles liquid when fed with energy, its dynamics is quite different and somewhat mysterious. Possible applications of the GM theory in material handling equipment are well known. The knowledge of the dynamical properties of the GM is essential, for example, while designing oscillating conveyors. Important advances of the GM theory has been made mainly by those who work on problems related to such kind of equipment.