Computer Simulation of Random Ballistic Deposition

Abstract

In the preceding paper⁽¹⁾, it has been shown how simple on-lattice models can be built to investigate some properties of the growing interface in ballistic deposition phenomena. However, even if the lattice ballistic models are very useful for studying the scaling properties of the surface thickness, they cannot provide a correct modelization of the bulk structure. A quantitative description of the structure of the deposit, with a realistic estimation of the density, can only be done using off-lattice models. Interest in such models was motivated in the 1970s by the need to develop a better understanding of the morphology of thin film deposits used to obtain systems with unique optical, electronic, tribological and other properties. During this period several models were developed which included local structural reorganization processes and the deposition of particles of different sizes^(2–4). Here we present very simple off-lattice models in two and three dimensions which include some possible restructuring of the deposited particles.