Random close packing of hard spheres and disks

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Phys. Rev. A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.27.1053· OSTI ID:6300563

Berryman, J G

A simple definition of random close packing of hard spheres is presented, and the consequences of this definition are explored. According to this definition, random close packing occurs at the minimum packing fraction eta for which the median nearest-neighbor radius equals the diameter of the spheres. Using the radial distribution function at more dilute concentrations to estimate median nearest-neighbor radii, lower bounds on the critical packing fraction eta/sub RCP/ are obtained and the value of eta/sub RCP/ is estimated by extrapolation. Random close packing is predicted to occur for eta/sub RCP/ = 0.64 +- 0.02 in three dimensions and eta/sub RCP/ = 0.82 +- 0.02 in two dimensions. Both of these predictions are shown to be consistent with the available experimental data.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-200, Livermore, California 94550
• OSTI ID: 6300563
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. A; (United States) Vol. 27:2; ISSN PLRAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640420* -- Fluid Physics-- Properties & Structure of Fluids-- (-1987)
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
AMORPHOUS STATE
FLUIDS
GLASS
MATERIALS
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
ORDER PARAMETERS
PACKINGS
POROUS MATERIALS
PROXIMITY EFFECT
RANDOMNESS
SPHERES
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS