Topics in Particle and Dispersion Science

The shapes of particles, such as a the marine phytoplankton cells shown on the left, may significantly affect interaction of the particles with light as well as movement of particles in the surrounding medium. The particle contour may be quite precisely described in two-dimensions by Fourier analysis (as reviewed, for example, by Jonasz M and Fournier 2007, p. 522). However, characterization of the particle shape by using one or more simple parameters which specify its similarity to a disk (in 2D) or a sphere (in 3D), remains an attractive shorthand option. In a concise review, M Jonasz discusses a representative selection of these parameters.