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A Statistical Mechanics Approach to the Inherent States of Granular Media

Antonio Coniglio·Mario Nicodemi
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Abstract

We consider a Statistical Mechanics approach to granular systems by following the original ideas developed by Edwards. We use the concept of ``inherent states'', defined as the stable configurations in the potential energy landscape, introduced in the context of glasses. Under simplifying assumptions, the equilibrium inherent states can be characterised by a configurational temperature, $1/β$. We link $β$ to Edwards' compactivity and address the problem of its experimental measure. We also discuss the possibility to describe the time dependent distribution probability in the inherent states with an appropriate master equation.

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Antonio Coniglio, Mario Nicodemi. 2001-03-19. A Statistical Mechanics Approach to the Inherent States of Granular Media. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-4371(01)00190-x

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