Third Order Loops of Contacts in a Granular Force Network

The existence of small order loops of contacts is presented as an intrinsic characteristic of force granular networks. Based on molecular dynamics simulations, it is proposed that the presence of these small order loops — and in particular third order loops of contacts — is important to understand the transition from fluid-like to solid-like behavior of granular packings. In addition, we show a close relationship between the development of third order loops and the small forces of the granular packing in the sense that almost all third order loops allocate a force component smaller than the average.