title: Statistical theory of correlations in random packings of hard particles.
abstract: A random packing of hard particles represents a fundamental model for granular matter. Despite its importance, analytical modeling of random packings remains difficult due to the existence of strong correlations which preclude the development of a simple theory. Here, we take inspiration from liquid theories for the n-particle angular correlation function to develop a formalism of random packings of hard particles from the bottom up. A progressive expansion into a shell of particles converges in the large layer limit under a Kirkwood-like approximation of higher-order correlations. We apply the formalism to hard disks and predict the density of two-dimensional random close packing (RCP), ϕ(rcp) = 0.85 ± 0.01, and random loose packing (RLP), ϕ(rlp) = 0.67 ± 0.01. Our theory also predicts a phase diagram and angular correlation functions that are in good agreement with experimental and numerical data.
authors.affiliation: Levich Institute and Physics Department, City College of New York, New York, New York 10031, USA.
authors.forename: Yuliang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.
authors.forename: James G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Puckett
authors.affiliation: Levich Institute and Physics Department, City College of New York, New York, New York 10031, USA.
authors.forename: Hernán A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Makse