DEPOSITION AND RESTRUCTURING OF ADHESIVE PARTICLES IN UNIDIRECTIONAL FIELDS

Abstract

The deposition of particles under the influence of gravity and adhesive interactions with the other deposited particles is examined using computer simulation. A parameter, s, that represents the probability of adhesion or sticking is used for studying the effects of variations in sticking on the resulting microstructure. A range of packing structures is generated between two limiting cases representing complete restructuring (s = 0) and no restructuring (s = 1). The bulk properties of the resulting structures, such as packing density, particle number density, and coordination number, are obtained. Structural correlations are examined through contact networks, radial and angular distribution functions, and diffraction patterns. The results show that local sticking rules have a significant influence on the long-range structure. Rhombic domains and significant long-range correlations are observed for the case of zero sticking probability. The range of correlations drops very sharply with increases in sticking probability, and large elongated voids, oriented in the direction of the external field, are formed with further increases in s. In the limit of perfect sticking, the deposit becomes columnar. The results have important implications to the structure of particle compacts and its influence on sintering of such compacts.

KEYWORDS:

• Particle deposition
• Adhesive forces
• Particle restructuring
• Sticking probability

Additional information

Notes on contributors

RAJ RAJAGOPALAN

To whom correspondence should be addressed.