The evolution of geophysical shape descriptors under distance-driven flows

Abstract

We investigate the evolution of axis ratios, roundness (isoperimetric ratio) and the number of static balance points under distance-driven flows. The latter have already been proposed by Aristotle as models of particle shape evolution and recent studies indicate that they may serve as models for frictional abrasion. We show exact conditions under which Aristotle's original claims are true. For several geophysical shape descriptors we prove monotonic or quasiconcave time evolution and compare these results with results from the literature on curvature-driven flows as models of collisional abrasion.