A simple feature-space representation of particle shape

Particle shape information is needed to describe the behavior of particles in both industrial processes and in products. It is also needed to predict the sedimentary properties of particles in fluids, and the transport characteristics of particles in streams, river, and on beaches.In this paper, a new method of representing particle shape is suggested, which takes into account the form and roundness features of the particles. These features are represented in three-dimensional space utilizing triaxial contour diagrams in the horizontal planes, and roundness in the vertical plane.Data are presented for a beach sand which has been mechanically shape classified, and the potential of the method for related fine particle applications is then discussed.