Rheological Properties of Aspherical Particle Networks

Materials such as carbon aerogels, silk and graphene composites can exhibit high-load-bearing capabilities at ultra-low density are networks of aspherical particles. We simulate 2D and 3D packings of aspherical particles with JKR-type interparticle interactions by means of DEM-based tools. The 2D and 3D percolation threshold is quantified as a function of the particle aspect ratio and the interparticle interaction. The various packings are subjected to compression and shear, and the elastic properties and relaxation spectrum are investigated under varying particle parameters.