Geometrical models for grain dynamics

We study models for the gravity-driven, dissipative motion of a single grain on an inclined rough surface. Imposing some conditions on the momentum loss due to the collisions between the particle and the surface, we arrive at a class of models in which the grain dynamics is described by one-dimensional maps. The dynamics of these maps is studied in detail. We prove the existence of various dynamical phases and show that the presence of these phases is independent of the restitution law (within the class considered).