Recent simulations of diffusion limited cluster-cluster aggregation (DLCA) have shown systematic inhomogeneities in the shape and orientation of clusters formed when a sedimentary force is applied. Using custom simulation and visualisation techniques and programs we have carried out a microscopic study of these sedimentary inhomogeneities and have mapped out the model parameter space. We find various transitional regimes in terms of the sedimentary Peclet number and identifiable time regimes for the growth behaviour of sedimenting clusters. We postulate some explanations based on the microscopic inhomogeneities of typical clusters grown under various conditions and illustrate the effects with visual renderings and systems metrics.
Ken A. Hawick