The effect of different random number distributions on the porosity of spherical particles

A geometrical loose sphere packing model is initiated by randomly generating initial (x-y)(x-y) coordinates of every sphere based on a specific distribution. In general, a normal distribution is applied in such models. However, other distributions, such as exponential, log-normal, and arbitrary distributions, may give better packing of particles, resulting in lower porosity values. In this study, the log-normal distribution provides the lowest porosity (40.72%) for mono-sized sphere packing. The same behavior is also shown in multi-sized sphere packing using a log-normal distribution.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We find the porosity with the new geometrical loose sphere packing. ► We examine effect of particles dropping on porosity from different positions. ► We examine the correlation between mathematical and geometrical sphere packing. ► Log-normally distribution of data provides the lowest value of porosity.