Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Atomic Force Microscopy Cantilever-Based Nanoindentation: Mechanical Property Measurements at the Nanoscale in Air and Fluid
Published on: December 2, 2022
Nonlocal Elasticity near Jamming in Frictionless Soft Spheres
Karsten Baumgarten1, Daniel Vågberg1, Brian P Tighe1
1Delft University of Technology, Process & Energy Laboratory, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628 CB Delft, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
We use simulations of frictionless soft sphere packings to identify novel constitutive relations for linear elasticity near the jamming transition. By forcing packings at varying wavelengths, we directly access their transverse and longitudinal compliances. These are found to be wavelength dependent, in violation of conventional (local) linear elasticity. Crossovers in the compliances select characteristic length scales, which signify the appearance of nonlocal effects. Two of these length scales diverge as the pressure vanishes, indicating that critical effects near jamming control the breakdown of local elasticity. We expect these nonlocal constitutive relations to be applicable to a wide range of weakly jammed solids, including emulsions, foams, and granulates.
Related Concept Videos
Elastic Collisions: Introduction
Elastic Collisions: Case Study
Static and Kinetic Frictional Force
However, if two systems are in contact and are stationary relative to one...
Relation between Poisson's ratio, Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity
Elastic Strain Energy for Shearing Stresses
Frictional Force

