  A simple model of inelastic hard-rods subject to a one-dimensional array of
identical wells is introduced. The energy loss due to inelastic collisions is
balanced by the work supplied by an external stochastic heat-bath. We explore
the effect of the spatial non uniformity on the steady states of the system.
The spatial variations of the density, granular temperature and pressure
induced by the gradient of the external potential are investigated and compared
with the analogous variations in an elastic system. Finally, we study the
clustering process by considering the relaxation of the system starting from a
uniform homogeneous state.
