Some geometrical properties of packings of equal spheres in cylindrical vessels, Part III - basic model away from the influence of wall effects

Abstract

An experimental study of the structure of random packings of equal spheres in cylindrical vessels, which indicated the existence of a continuous range, has been followed by an analytical investigation. A model was developed on the basis that random packings, away from the influence of wall effects, can form by a process of expansion from the densest possible packing. Equations are derived connecting the mean void fraction, the mean number of points of contact, and other related properties. Both the three-dimensional and the two-dimensional cases are considered, and are found to have similar features. The equations give values which are in good agreement with available experimental results and with values computed by other means.