A complex network approach to identifying and characterizing vital voids in the particle packing of caved ore and rock

Abstract

The particle packing system of caved ore and rock can be characterized as a complex system consisting of both a particle phase and a void phase. This paper focuses primarily on the void network as the main subject of research. After analyzing the statistical characteristics of both voids and throats, we employ a complex network approach to identify vital voids. Furthermore, we investigate the geometric characteristics, spatial distribution, and connectivity of vital voids. The results indicate that: (1) The distributions of void radius and throat radius, which are influenced by varying particle gradation and void rate, conform to a Gaussian distribution. In contrast, the distribution of the void shape factor displays a long-tail distribution. (2) The void network present adheres to a scale-free network model that exhibits small-world characteristics. Additionally, vital voids are characterized by a large average size, elevated Closeness centrality, and a low Clustering coefficient. (3) There exists a strong positive correlation between the Betweenness centrality of vital voids and void radius, Degree, and shape factor. In contrast, the Clustering coefficient exhibits a negative correlation with Betweenness centrality, void radius, Degree, and shape factor, while the correlation between Closeness centrality and each of these indices is relatively weak.