Abstract
The available configuration space for finite systems of rigid particles separates into equivalent disconnected regions if those systems are highly compressed. This paper presents a study of the geometric properties of the limiting high-compression regions (polytopes) for rods, disks, and spheres. The molecular distribution functions represent cross sections through the convex polytopes, and for that reason they are obliged to exhibit single-peak behavior by the Brünn-Minkowski inequality. We demonstrate that increasing system dimensionality implies tendency toward nearest-neighbor particle-pair localization away from contact. The relation between the generalized Euler theorem for the limiting polytopes and cooperative “jamming” of groups of particles is explored. A connection is obtained between the moments of inertia of the polytopes (regarded as solid homogeneous bodies) and crystal elastic properties. Finally, we provide a list of unsolved problems in this geometrical many-body theory.
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Stillinger, F.H., Salsburg, Z.W. Limiting polytope geometry for rigid rods, disks, and spheres. J Stat Phys 1, 179–225 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01007250
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01007250