Packings of superellipse sector particles

Non-convex particles are able to mutually entangle, and, for example, produce packings with finite tensile strength even for particles that only interact via repulsive forces. While prior work has focused on the effects of shape parameters such as angularity, aspect ratio, and non-convexity, there has not been a framework that generalizes these results to all particle shapes. Superellipse sector particles (SeSPs) comprise a generalized class of two-dimensional particles defined as sections of superelliptical arcs with finite thickness. Thus, SeSPs form a versatile model system for non-convex particles. SeSP geometry is parameterized by aspect ratio, thickness, subtended arc length, and the powers of the superelliptical curve. The large parameter space allows for independent control of generalizable shape parameters such as aspect ratio, angularity, and non-convexity. We use molecular dynamics simulations to characterize the internal structure and mechanical response of stable packings of SeSPs, as a function of particle geometry.