A size-independent law to describe the alignment of shape-anisotropic objects

TL;DR

This paper introduces a size-independent law describing how anisotropic objects align, revealing that their orientation distributions vary between Laplace and Gaussian shapes based on distribution width and particle cohesivity.

Contribution

It uncovers a universal size-independent relationship governing the shape of orientation distributions in aligned anisotropic objects.

Findings

Orientation distributions vary between Laplace and Gaussian shapes.

Distribution shape depends on width and particle cohesivity.

The law applies across nano and macro scales.

Abstract

A major challenge in the field of nanosciences is the assembly of anisotropic nano objects into aligned structures. The way the objects are aligned determines the physical properties of the final material. In this work, we take a closer look at the shapes of orientation distributions of aligned anisotropic nano and macro objects by examining previously published works. The data shows that the orientation distribution shape of anisotropic objects aligned by shearing and other commonly used methods varies size-independently between Laplace and Gaussian depending on the distribution width and on the cohesivity of the particles.