Experimental study on 3D vibrated packing densification of mono-sized dodecahedral particles

Packing densification of mono-sized regular dodecahedral particles subjected to 3D vibrations was studied through systematical physical experiments. The influences of various vibration conditions and container size on the packing density were analyzed and the operating parameters were optimized. The obtained microstructures of different packings were characterized through 3D CT non-destructive inspection. The results show that by properly controlling the vibration conditions, the transition from initial loose to final dense packing structure of mono-sized regular dodecahedral particles can be reproduced. A maximum packing density of 0.709, which is the currently obtainable densest random packing structure of mono-sized regular dodecahedral particles in physical experiments, can be realized by extrapolating the packing densities obtained in different sized containers. Microscopic analyses on the 3D computer re-constructed packing structures from experiments clearly demonstrate the specific characteristics of the generated initial loose and final dense packings. The obtained results can enhance the deep understanding of packing behavior of dodecahedral particles and provide researchers with valuable reference to the design and fabrication of some new materials.