Statistical analysis of contact force components in random granular assemblies

 This paper analyses the probability density functions of contact force components corresponding to the principle directions of average stress. A theoretical prediction is derived for the distribution of these components, with the help of maximizing the statistical entropy. Limits of validity of the prediction are analyzed by numerical simulations on isotropic assemblies under hydrostatic pressure. The results show that the `history' of the assembly has a strong influence on the type of the force distributions.