Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
11:51
Visually Based Characterization of the Incipient Particle Motion in Regular Substrates: From Laminar to Turbulent Conditions
Published on: February 22, 2018
8.2K
Particle-scale reversibility in athermal particulate media below jamming
Carl F Schreck1, Robert S Hoy2, Mark D Shattuck3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8260, USA and Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8120, USA.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|December 17, 2013
Summary
We simulated frictionless disks under shear, revealing three dynamics: point-reversible, loop-reversible, and irreversible. Loop-reversible states allow precise control over material properties.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Computational Science
Background:
- Understanding particle dynamics in dense systems is crucial for materials science.
- Athermal systems, lacking thermal fluctuations, exhibit unique collective behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate particle-scale reversible motion in repulsive, frictionless athermal disks.
- To classify steady-state dynamics based on packing fraction and shear strain amplitude.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations of cyclic quasistatic simple shear.
- Analysis of particle trajectories in 2D and 3D spatial dimensions.
Main Results:
- Identified three distinct steady-state dynamics: point-reversible, loop-reversible, and irreversible.
- Point-reversible states occur at low packing fraction (φ) and strain amplitude (γ(max)).
- Loop-reversible states involve complex trajectories but return particles to initial positions, enabling property control.
- Irreversible dynamics with self-diffusion observed at high φ and γ(max).
Conclusions:
- Cyclic shear reveals distinct reversible and irreversible dynamics in athermal disk systems.
- Loop-reversible dynamics offers a method for controlled preparation of material configurations.
- The study provides insights into the fundamental mechanics of granular materials and dense soft matter.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Reversible and Irreversible Processes
4.3K
The thermodynamic processes can be classified into reversible and irreversible processes. The processes that can be restored to their initial state are called reversible processes. It is only possible if the process is in quasi-static equilibrium, i.e., it takes place in infinitesimally small steps, and the system remains at equilibrium However, these are ideal processes and do not occur naturally. An ideal system undergoing a reversible process is always in thermodynamic equilibrium within...
4.3K
01:16Precipitate Formation and Particle Size Control
5.8K
In precipitation gravimetry, the precipitating agent should react specifically or selectively with the analyte. While a specific reagent reacts with the analyte alone, a selective reagent can react with a limited number of chemical species.
The obtained precipitate should be either a pure substance of known composition or easily converted to one by a simple process, such as ignition or drying. In addition, the precipitate should be insoluble and easily filterable. In general, filterability...
The obtained precipitate should be either a pure substance of known composition or easily converted to one by a simple process, such as ignition or drying. In addition, the precipitate should be insoluble and easily filterable. In general, filterability...
5.8K
02:43Basic Postulates of Kinetic Molecular Theory: Particle Size, Energy, and Collision
28.9K
The ideal-gas equation, which is empirical, describes the behavior of gases by establishing relationships between their macroscopic properties. For example, Charles’ law states that volume and temperature are directly related. Gases, therefore, expand when heated at constant pressure. Although gas laws explain how the macroscopic properties change relative to one another, it does not explain the rationale behind it.
28.9K
01:10First Law: Particles in One-dimensional Equilibrium
6.9K
Newton's first law of motion states that a body at rest remains at rest, or if in motion, remains in motion at constant velocity, unless acted on by a net external force. It also states that there must be a cause for any change in velocity (a change in either magnitude or direction) to occur. This cause is a net external force. For example, consider what happens to an object sliding along a rough horizontal surface. The object quickly grinds to a halt, due to the net force of friction. If...
6.9K
01:10Entropy Change in Reversible Processes
2.4K
In the Carnot engine, which achieves the maximum efficiency between two reservoirs of fixed temperatures, the total change in entropy is zero. The observation can be generalized by considering any reversible cyclic process consisting of many Carnot cycles. Thus, it can be stated that the total entropy change of any ideal reversible cycle is zero.
The statement can be further generalized to prove that entropy is a state function. Take a cyclic process between any two points on a p-V diagram.
The statement can be further generalized to prove that entropy is a state function. Take a cyclic process between any two points on a p-V diagram.
2.4K
01:18First Law: Particles in Two-dimensional Equilibrium
14.3K
Recall that a particle in equilibrium is one for which the external forces are balanced. Static equilibrium involves objects at rest, and dynamic equilibrium involves objects in motion without acceleration; but it is important to remember that these conditions are relative. For instance, an object may be at rest when viewed from one frame of reference, but that same object would appear to be in motion when viewed by someone moving at a constant velocity.
Newton's first law tells us about...
Newton's first law tells us about...
14.3K