Equation of state for random sphere packing with arbitrary adhesion and friction

TL;DR

This paper develops a universal equation of state for random sphere packings considering adhesion and friction, revealing how mechanical properties and packing density depend on these factors and identifying a critical friction coefficient affecting particle rearrangements.

Contribution

It introduces a universal $ ext{phi}(Z)$ equation of state for packings with arbitrary adhesion and friction, and analyzes the mechanical transition at a critical friction coefficient.

Findings

Universal equation of state $ ext{phi}(Z)$ for packings with adhesion and friction.

Identification of a critical friction coefficient $ ext{mu}_{f,c}$ affecting particle rearrangements.

Loosest packing satisfies isostatic condition at $Z=2$.

Abstract

We systematically generate a large set of random micro-particle packings over a wide range of adhesion and friction by means of adhesive contact dynamics simulation. The ensemble of generated packings covers a range of volume fraction $\phi$ from $0.135 \pm 0.007$ to $0.639 \pm 0.004$, and of coordination number $Z$ from $2.11 \pm 0.03$ to $6.40 \pm 0.06$. We determine $\phi$ and $Z$ at four limits (random close packing, random loose packing, adhesive close packing, and adhesive loose packing), and find a universal equation of state $\phi(Z)$ to describe packings with arbitrary adhesion and friction. From a mechanical equilibrium analysis, we determine a critical friction coefficient $\mu_{\rm f, c}$: when the friction coefficient $\mu_{\rm f}$ is below $\mu_{\rm f, c}$, particles' rearrangements are dominated by sliding, otherwise, they are dominated by rolling. Because of this reason, both $\phi(\mu_{\rm f})$ and $Z(\mu_{\rm f})$ change sharply across $\mu_{\rm f, c}$. Finally, we generalize the Maxwell counting argument to micro-particle packings, and show that the loosest packing, i.e., adhesive loose packing, satisfies the isostatic condition at $Z=2$.