Static and dynamic properties of granular matter(I)

Granular matter is the most familiar form of matter in existence on the Earth. A system consisting of a great amount of grains behaves quite differently from the well-investigated states of matter such as solids, fluids and gases. In spite of the continuous efforts of many scientists since the 19th century, understanding the laws governing granular matter remains a challenge for physicists. This article reviews the static and dynamic properties of granular matter.