Cluster evolution in a soft granular submonolayer

The evolution of clusters in a soft granular submonolayer is examined. Their final state is characterized in terms of the fractal dimension, typical cluster size and the mean number of nearest neighbours. Their evolution towards this state can be understood by considering dissipation and a Yukawa repulsion with time-dependent truncation. This approach is of potential interest for understanding other dissipative soft systems. The relationship found between cluster size and the number of nearest neighbours can be explained assuming the latter varies only due to the incorporation of new constituents. This assumption is likely applicable to numerous other statistical systems, making these results of interest well beyond the particular system examined. (paper: classical statistical mechanics, equilibrium and non-equilibrium)