Optimal size distribution to obtain the densest packing: A different approach

Historically a number of models were proposed about the problem of the best size distribution for densest particle packing. In general, they show a weak point in the insufficient consideration of particle morphology that, on the contrary, it is a fundamental parameter to shape an optimal size distribution. In the present work a different approach with respect the traditional models is proposed. By means of a mixture design it was possible to define models able to predict the density in function of size distribution. The results shown the effect of particles morphology: mixtures rich in fine particles permit to obtain the densest packing. The mathematical models obtained, in the form of polynomial, fit well the experimental data. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.