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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
14:55
Atomic Scale Structural Studies of Macromolecular Assemblies by Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Published on: September 17, 2017
Link between single-particle properties and macroscopic properties in particulate assemblies: role of structures
1Advanced Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory, Institute of Particle Science and Engineering, School of Process, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. s.j.antony@leeds.ac.uk
Summary
Dense particulate systems possess
Area of Science:
- Engineering and Materials Science
- Physics of granular materials
Background:
- Particulate materials are ubiquitous in industrial processes and products.
- Understanding interparticle interactions is key to engineering functional particulate assemblies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize key findings on force transmission networks in dense particulate systems under shearing.
- To investigate the role of these networks in dictating macroscopic strength characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized discrete element method (DEM) simulations over a 10-year period.
- Analyzed the structural arrangement and evolution of force chains during loading.
Main Results:
- Macroscopic strength is dictated by 'strong' force chains, which are a small fraction of total contacts.
- These force chains act as 'granular brains' or memory networks.
- Force chain behavior influences particle breakage and can be controlled, e.g., via electrical fields.
Conclusions:
- The structural arrangement of force chains depends on particle properties and packing.
- Understanding these memory networks can optimize the collective strength of particulate materials.
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