The dynamics of the jamming transition in a three-dimensional granular system under vertical vibration is studied using diffusing-wave spectroscopy. When the maximum acceleration of the external vibration is large, the granular system behaves like a fluid, with the dynamic correlation function $G\left(t\right)$ relaxing rapidly. As the acceleration of vibration approaches the gravitational acceleration $g$, the relaxation of $G\left(t\right)$ slows down dramatically, and eventually stops. Thus the system undergoes a phase transition and behaves like a solid. Near the transition point, we find that the structural relaxation shows a stretched exponential behavior. This behavior is analogous to the behavior of supercooled liquids close to the glass transition.

• Received 11 January 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.72.011302