Session A1: Statistical Physics & Applications

1:30 PM–4:45 PM, Friday, April 20, 2007
Bennett Hall - 137

Chair: Susan R. McKay, University of Maine

Abstract ID: BAPS.2007.NES07.A1.4

Abstract: A1.00004 : A Phase Space for Jamming

3:45 PM–4:45 PM

Preview Abstract

Author:

  Bulbul Chakraborty
    (Brandeis University)

In a remarkably diverse range of systems, the transition from a flowing, liquid state to a jammed, solid state is heralded by a dramatic slowing down of relaxations. Does an equilibrium phase transition underlie this glassy dynamics? To even begin to address this question, we need a statistical framework for describing systems out of thermal equilibrium. Can we construct a phase space for describing phase transitions in such non-equilibrium systems? In this talk, I will show how to construct a statistical ensemble for grain packings and use this statistical ensemble to construct a phase space for jamming and a field theory of two dimensional, zero-temperature, frictionless grain packings.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2007.NES07.A1.4