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Explicit Analytical Solution for Random Close Packing in d=2 and d=3

Alessio Zaccone
Phys. Rev. Lett. 128, 028002 – Published 12 January 2022; Erratum Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 039901 (2022)

Abstract

We present an analytical derivation of the volume fractions for random close packing (RCP) in both d=3 and d=2, based on the same methodology. Using suitably modified nearest neighbor statistics for hard spheres, we obtain ϕRCP=0.65896 in d=3 and ϕRCP=0.88648 in d=2. These values are well within the interval of values reported in the literature using different methods (experiments and numerical simulations) and protocols. This statistical derivation suggests some considerations related to the nature of RCP: (i) RCP corresponds to the onset of mechanical rigidity where the finite shear modulus emerges, (ii) the onset of mechanical rigidity marks the maximally random jammed state and dictates ϕRCP via the coordination number z, (iii) disordered packings with ϕ>ϕRCP are possible at the expense of creating some order, and z=12 at the fcc limit acts as a boundary condition.

  • Received 29 September 2021
  • Accepted 8 December 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.128.028002

© 2022 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Statistical Physics & ThermodynamicsPolymers & Soft MatterGeneral PhysicsCondensed Matter, Materials & Applied Physics

Erratum

Authors & Affiliations

Alessio Zaccone*

  • Department of Physics “A. Pontremoli,” University of Milan, via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy and Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, CB30HE Cambridge, United Kingdom

  • *alessio.zaccone@unimi.it

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Vol. 128, Iss. 2 — 14 January 2022

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