Volume equations of state and

To illustrate what we mean by a statistical understanding of the state of the powder, we refer the reader to Edwards and Oakeshott (ref. 5). If the particles are sufficiently numerous and the local construction rules well-defined, then the macroscopic properties of the powder should be predictable and interesting. The essential idea is that all configurations consistent with mechanical stability are equally probable, but that for the overwhelming majority of these states the measurable properties are essentially the same. Thus, we should be able to predict, for example, the volume of a heap of sand. Unfortunately, it is necessary to understand the role of energy in our powder system in order to develop a calculus for the pressure-volume equation of state and the suppression of density fluctuations we hope to provide these insights with future experiments. The present study is a first step toward that goal. 

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