Title: Zero-gravity geometric cohesion simulations of three-dimensional non-spherical particles

Author (Snapshot): Kyle VanderWerf, Yale University

Abstract:

Jammed packings of non-spherical particles, such as staples, which are prepared in a container, have been shown to retain their shape even when the container walls are removed. This phenomenon is known as geometric cohesion, since it depends on entanglements between the particles which occur due to their geometry. This phenomenon has only thus far been studied under gravity. We aim to write computer simulations which can demonstrate, for the first time, whether geometric cohesion occurs in zero-gravity environments.