Physics – Condensed Matter – Soft Condensed Matter
Scientific paper
2001-12-17
J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 14 (2002) 2391-2402
Physics
Condensed Matter
Soft Condensed Matter
14 pages, Latex, 5 EPS figures
Scientific paper
10.1088/0953-8984/14/9/328
The transmission of forces through a disordered granular system is studied by means of a geometrical-topological approach that reduces the granular packing into a set of layers. This layered structure constitutes the skeleton through which the force chains set up. Given the granular packing, and the region where the force is applied, such a skeleton is uniquely defined. Within this framework, we write an equation for the transmission of the vertical forces that can be solved recursively layer by layer. We find that a special class of analytical solutions for this equation are L\'evi-stable distributions. We discuss the link between criticality and fragility and we show how the disordered packing naturally induces the formation of force-chains and arches. We point out that critical regimes, with power law distributions, are associated with the roughness of the topological layers. Whereas, fragility is associated with local changes in the force network induced by local granular rearrangements or by changes in the applied force. The results are compared with recent experimental observations in particulate matter and with computer simulations.
Aste Tomaso
d'Agliano Enrico Galleani
Di Matteo Tiziana
No associations
LandOfFree
Stress transmission in granular matter does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Stress transmission in granular matter, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Stress transmission in granular matter will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-261419