Impact of particle shape on networks in sands

Abstract

Employing network science to understand particle interactions helps manufacture advanced materials with superior force transmission and heat transfer. However, knowledge of the dependence of networks on particle features such as shape is missing. This study computes particle shape ─ the average of three-dimensional sphericity and roundness, and multiscale network variables ─ degree, edge betweenness centrality and global clustering coefficient from unweighted/weighted contact and thermal networks ─ for three sands based on their X-ray computed tomography images. The dependence of network features on particle shape is explored for both individual particles and bulk sand samples. Results show ..