The device determines the maximum angle at which a pile of granular material will remain stable. It assesses a material’s ability to resist sliding or collapsing under its own weight when piled. This calculation involves measuring the inclined angle formed between the horizontal base and the slope of the resulting conical pile. For example, when sand is poured onto a surface, it forms a cone-shaped pile; the angle of this cone’s slope, from the base to the peak, represents the angle of repose.
The utility of this calculation spans various industries, from agriculture to construction and mining. Understanding the material’s properties enables efficient storage and handling. For example, in agriculture, it informs the design of grain silos, ensuring stability and preventing collapses. In construction, it dictates the safe slope of excavated earth. Historically, this measurement has been crucial in geotechnical engineering for assessing soil stability and predicting landslide potential.
