Abstract
One-dimensional 'parking' simulations are used to lay a foundation for analysis of packing problems encountered in particulate materials processing. Parking simulations involve a random sequence of segment space filling steps with simultaneous fragmentation of the remaining unoccupied space; analogous to how automobiles are parked along a curb or particles are placed in a die. The present study captures both the geometric and kinetic changes associated parking simulations. The results are generalised to three-dimensional particle structures. For example, data are extracted from parking simulations to show how powder filling into a container generates a lognormal pore size distribution. The results are useful in understanding powder packing problems such as optimisation of bimodal powder packing, powder reaction rates, rearrangement effects on packing density and polymer (binder or lubricant) pyrolysis.