Fractal characteristics of loess formation: evidence from laboratory experiments

The fractal is presented as a method for describing the geometry of particles, with particular reference to the breakdown of granular soils and the formation of loess. The preliminary results are reported: (a) for the extent to which silt due to comminution exhibits a fractal distribution; (b) the tendency of fractal dimension to change with the comminution process; and (c) the relationship between fractal dimension describing particle size distribution and the grinding time. Laboratory simulation confirms the general tendency of fractal characteristics to reflect the size reduction process.