title: Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of dense granular media.
abstract: By detailed molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations of a model system we show that granular materials at rest can be described as thermodynamics systems. First, we show that granular packs can be characterized by few parameters, as much as fluids or solids. Then, in a second independent step, we demonstrate that these states can be described in terms of equilibrium distributions which coincide with the statistical mechanics of powders first proposed by Edwards. We also derive the system equation of state as a function of the "configurational temperature," its new intensive thermodynamic parameter.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, Universitá di Napoli Federico II,"CNR-Coherentia, INFN, 80126 Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pica Ciamarra
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coniglio
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nicodemi