Department of Physics Papers
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of this Version
7-13-2006
Abstract
We propose to characterize the shapes of flat pebbles in terms of the statistical distribution of curvatures measured along the pebble contour. This is demonstrated for the erosion of clay pebbles in a controlled laboratory apparatus. Photographs at various stages of erosion are analyzed, and compared with two models. We find that the curvature distribution complements the usual measurement of aspect ratio, and connects naturally to erosion processes that are typically faster at protruding regions of high curvature.
Recommended Citation
Durian, D. J., Bideaud, H., Duringer, P., Schröder, A., Thalmann, F., & Marques, C. M. (2006). What Is in a Pebble Shape?. Retrieved from https://repository.upenn.edu/physics_papers/188
Date Posted: 14 July 2011
This document has been peer reviewed.
Comments
Suggested Citation:
Durian, D.J. et al. (2006). What Is in a Pebble Shape? Physical Review Letters 97, 028001.
© 2006 American Physical Society
http://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.028001