Multi-scale structure in SeSP Dispersions

We use Monte-Carlo methods to study the structural properties of dispersions of Superellipse Sector Particles (SeSPs). Superellipses are generalizations of ellipses that allow for convexity and sharp corners; SeSPs expand the range of particle shapes by not requiring the full 2π arc. SeSPs thus allow for complete control over opening aperture, aspect ratio, and corner sharpness. Simulations generate random, dense dispersions of non-overlapping monodisperse particles and radial, bond-orientation, and spatio-orientational distributions are compared across different parameter values. We also explore the pairwise interaction of two isolated SeSPs and compare the allowable orientations with those found in the bulk dispersion. Compared with the pairwise interactions, particles in dense dispersions are more likely to be found with close nearest neighbors, with the interaction between non-overlapping radial and orientational positions apparent in the spatio-orientational distribution. This is also seen in more traditional radial distribution functions, where dispersions show a peak at small separations, compared with a plateau found in the pairwise distribution.