Multi-Particle Structures in Non-Sequentially Reorganized Hard Sphere deposits

We have examined extended structures, bridges and arches, in computer generated, non-sequentially stabilized, hard sphere deposits. The bridges and arches have well-defined distributions of sizes and shapes. The distribution functions reflect the contraints associated with hard particle packing and the details of the restructuring process. A subpopulation of string-like bridges has been identified. Bridges are fundamental microstructural elements in real granular systems and their sizes and shapes dominate considerations of structural properties and flow instabilities such as jamming.