Densification of the packing structure under vibrations

Abstract

Two packing structures with the maximum packing densities of 0.64 and 0.74 for the amorphous state and crystalline state, respectively, were numerically reproduced in the packing densification of equal spheres subjected to onedimensional and three-dimensional vibrations using the discrete element method (DEM), and the results were physically validated. These two packing structures were analyzed in terms of coordination number (CN), radial distribution function (RDF), angular distribution function (ADF), and pore size distribution (Voronoi/Delaunay tessellation). It is shown that CN distributions have the peak values of 7 and 12 for the amorphous state and crystalline state, respectively. RDF and ADF distributions show isolated peaks and orientation preferences for the crystalline state, indicating the long range and angle correlation among particles commonly observed in the crystalline state. Voronoi/Delaunay tessellation also shows smaller and narrower pore size distribution for the crystalline state.

Keywords

particle packing / densification / vibrations / discrete element method

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