Computing radial packing properties from the distribution of particle centers

The relationship between the distribution of particle centers in random bed s of uniformly sized spheres and radial properties, in particular radial vo idage profiles, is undertaken in this work. To this end, closed expressions for six geometrical quantities related to the intersection of spheres with cylindrical surfaces are presented. The relations to compute radial proper ties are then expressed in terms of those geometrical quantities and it is shown that for realistic types of particle center distribution, the calcula tions can be carried out without resorting to simplifying assumptions or nu merical integration. The significance of radial profiles of particle surfac e area is also discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserve d.