Force distributions in a triangular lattice of rigid bars.
We study the uniformly weighted ensemble of force balanced configurations on a triangular network of nontensile contact forces. For periodic boundary conditions corresponding to isotropic compressive stress, we find that the probability distribution for single-contact forces decays faster than exponentially. This superexponential decay persists in lattices diluted to the rigidity percolation threshold. On the other hand, for anisotropic imposed stresses, a broader tail emerges in the force distribution, becoming a pure exponential in the limit of infinite lattice size and infinitely strong anisotropy.
Tighe
Brian P
BP
Department of Physics and Center for Nonlinear and Complex Systems, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA.
Socolar
Joshua E S
JE
Schaeffer
David G
DG
Mitchener
W Garrett
WG
Huber
Mark L
ML