The process of pattern formation in granular layers was experimentally studied. Ten layers of granular materials inside a vacuum container were placed under a vertical vibration of $A\sin 2\pi \mathrm{ft}$. Control parameters were the dimensionless acceleration $\Gamma =A(2\pi f{)}^2/g$ and vibration frequency $f$. When the system was quenched from a flat pattern state to a striped pattern state by instantly increasing $\Gamma$, there were more than ${10}^4$ periods before a full steady striped pattern appeared. This nonequilibrium and nonsteady process showed dynamic scaling behavior. The growth exponent of the characteristic length scale of the ordered domain was 0.25, which agrees with that of the Swift-Hohenberg system.

• Received 14 November 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.204303