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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

An Efficient and Flexible Cell Aggregation Method for 3D Spheroid Production

An Efficient and Flexible Cell Aggregation Method for 3D Spheroid Production

Published on: March 27, 2017

Packings of deformable spheres.

Shomeek Mukhopadhyay¹, Jorge Peixinho

¹Chemistry Department, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA.

Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics

|August 27, 2011

Summary

This study reveals how deformable spheres in disordered packings transition from yielding to withstanding stress. Force and rearrangements depend on packing fraction and velocity, with spheres deforming at higher densities.

Area of Science:

Soft Matter Physics
Materials Science
Rheology

Background:

Understanding the mechanical properties of disordered materials is crucial for various applications.
Deformable particle packings exhibit complex behaviors not seen in rigid systems.
Previous studies often focused on idealized or rigid sphere models.

Purpose of the Study:

To experimentally investigate the mechanical behavior of disordered packings of deformable hydrogel spheres.
To quantify the relationship between packing fraction, strain, velocity, and forces in these systems.
To observe sphere deformation and rearrangement dynamics under compression.

Main Methods:

Utilized fluorescent hydrogel spheres immersed in water.
Employed 3D tomography for imaging sphere arrangements.

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Quantification of Strain in a Porcine Model of Skin Expansion Using Multi-View Stereo and Isogeometric Kinematics

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Last Updated: May 29, 2026

An Efficient and Flexible Cell Aggregation Method for 3D Spheroid Production

An Efficient and Flexible Cell Aggregation Method for 3D Spheroid Production

Published on: March 27, 2017

Quantification of Strain in a Porcine Model of Skin Expansion Using Multi-View Stereo and Isogeometric Kinematics

Quantification of Strain in a Porcine Model of Skin Expansion Using Multi-View Stereo and Isogeometric Kinematics

Published on: April 16, 2017

Performed compression tests on single spheres and packings within a box with a moving lid.

Main Results:

Observed a transition from yielding to a stress-bearing state in the packings.
Quantified power-law dependencies of normal force on packing fraction and strain at varying velocities.
Noted sphere rearrangements during compression-decompression cycles and saturation of coordination number indicating deformation and faceting.

Conclusions:

Disordered packings of deformable spheres exhibit distinct mechanical responses compared to rigid ones.
Sphere deformation and rearrangement are key factors governing the macroscopic mechanical properties.
The study provides quantitative insights into the force transmission and structural evolution in soft granular materials.