Construction of granular aggregates with different porosity, shape, and size distributions

Abstract

Granular matter is characterized by a collection of grains, where the collective behavior relies on interactions among all constituent particles, generally including both cohesive and dissipative interactions. Understanding and predicting granular behavior is pivotal for both basic science and technological applications, ranging from astrophysics to geology, cereal storage, and cosmetics development. The structure of these aggregates varies depending on the environment but often involves a highly porous configuration. In this study, we introduce our AGregate GENeration Tool (AGGENT) specifically designed for constructing granular aggregates with varying levels of porosity, shapes, and grain sizes. The software facilitates aggregate generation using JKR or DMT cohesive models with a finite grain overlap, enabling the achievement of highly homogeneous aggregates. The behavior of porosity of the generated samples near surfaces is also discussed. These generated samples can subsequently be utilized for performing various simulations, allowing for further analysis of granular behavior under different conditions of interest, including transport, mechanical and thermal properties, etc.