Review on the structure of random packed-beds

Independent from their intended purpose, the understanding of structural characteristics of random packings of particles having defined shapes is important to understand and optimize fluid dynamic behaviour, heat, and mass transfer. The packing structure can be described by the coordination number, local porosity profiles, the average porosity, and pore characteristics, which are influenced by the wall and thickness effect; the material, shape, and size distribution of the packing particles; the packing and compaction mode; and the shape and material of the packing's containing walls. Therefore, existing knowledge on the structure of randomly packed mono-sized particles is reviewed to provide an updated selection of relevant parameters and their derived correlations obtained by experimental, numerical, and analytical means.