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Connectedness percolation in monodisperse rod systems: clustering effects.
1Department of Chemistry, Edwin C Jahn Laboratory, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. apchatte@esf.edu
Summary
Local clustering of rod-like particles increases the percolation threshold. This clustering reduces percolation and backbone probabilities, impacting material properties even at fixed particle concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Statistical Mechanics
Background:
- Percolation theory describes the formation of connected clusters in random systems.
- Understanding particle arrangement is crucial for predicting material properties.
- Rod-like particles exhibit complex packing and connectivity behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the effect of local clustering on the percolation behavior of interpenetrable rod-like particles.
- To analyze how particle aspect ratio and clustering degree influence percolation properties.
- To investigate the relationship between local particle arrangements and macroscopic connectivity.
Main Methods:
- Developed a model based on an analogy to lattice site percolation.
- Evaluated percolation threshold, percolation probability, and backbone probability.
- Assessed these properties as functions of particle aspect ratio and clustering degree.
Main Results:
- Local clustering of particles was found to increase the percolation threshold.
- Higher degrees of clustering led to reduced percolation and backbone probabilities.
- These effects were observed even at a fixed volume fraction of particles.
Conclusions:
- Local, physically connected particle cliques significantly alter percolation phenomena.
- Clustering acts as a key factor influencing the connectivity and transport properties of particle systems.
- The findings have implications for designing materials with controlled conductivity or permeability.
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