Dry granular materials such as sand sugar and powders can be poured into a container like a liquid and can also form a pile resisting gravity like a solid which is why they can be regarded as a fourth state of matter neither solid nor liquid. This book focuses on defining the physics of dry granular media in a systematic way providing a collection of articles written by recognised experts. The physics of this field is new and full of challenges but many questions such as kinetic theories plasticity continuum and discrete modelling also require the strong participation of mechanical and chemical engineers soil mechanists geologists and astrophysicists. The book gathers into a single volume the relevant concepts from all these disciplines enabling the reader to gain a rapid understanding of the foundations as well as the open questions of the physics of granular materials. The contributors have been chosen particularly for their ability to explain new concepts making the book attractive to students or researchers contemplating a foray into the field. The breadth of the treatment on the other hand makes the book a useful reference for scientists who are already experienced in the subject.
