Topological properties of the contact network of granular packings

TL;DR

This paper investigates the topological properties of force networks in granular packings using complex network analysis, revealing how contact network structures vary with force thresholds and relate to macroscopic behavior.

Contribution

It introduces a method to analyze granular contact networks through topological properties as a function of force thresholds, providing new insights into their structural features.

Findings

Topological characteristics vary with force thresholds.

Network structure correlates with physical behavior.

Complex network tools reveal structural features of granular media.

Abstract

The force networks of different granular ensembles are defined and their topological properties studied using the tools of complex networks. In particular, for each set of grains compressed in a square box, it is introduced a force threshold that determines which contacts conform the network. Hence, the topological characteristics of the network are analyzed as a function of this parameter. The characterization of the structural features thus obtained, may be useful in the understanding of the macroscopic physical behavior exhibited by this class of media.