Modeling abrasion processes by operations of mathematical morphology

This paper discusses first the possibility of characterizing particle sampl es by functions. The empirical distribution function of classical shape rat ios turns out to be a very powerful tool for discriminating samples of part icles. Then a simple geometrical model is presented for shape and size deve lopment in abrasion processes such as in tumbling barrels. The fundamental operations "erosion" and "opening" of mathematical morphology lead to a sat isfactory description of abrasion processes. All this is demonstrated for s amples of limestone particles.