arXiv · 1511.01663
The characterisation of irregularly-shaped particles: a re-consideration of finite-sized, porous and fractal grains
Abstract
Context. A porous and/or fractal description can generally be applied where particles have undergone coagulation into aggregates. Aims. To characterise finite-sized, porous and fractal particles and to understand the possible limitations of these descriptions. Methods. We use simple structure, lattice and network considerations to determine the structural properties of irregular particles. Results. We find that, for finite-sized aggregates, the terms porosity and fractal dimension may be of limited usefulness and show with some critical and limiting assumptions, that highly-porous aggregates (porosity > 80%) may not be constructable. We also investigate their effective cross-sections using a simple cubic model. Conclusions. In place of the terms porosity and fractal dimension, for finite-sized aggregates, we propose the readily-determinable quantities of inflation, I (a measure of the solid filling factor and size), and dimensionality, D (a measure of the shape). These terms can be applied to characterise any form of particle, be it an irregular, homogeneous solid or a highly-extended aggregate.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
A. P. Jones. 2015-11-05. The characterisation of irregularly-shaped particles: a re-consideration of finite-sized, porous and fractal grains. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361%2F201015968
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.