Model Pre-Transition (IMAGE) City College of New York Caption Sheared suspension of spheres occupying 52 percent of a volume, alongside images of "force chains;" i.e., the paths connecting spheres as they come into contact with their neighbors. The top image shows the spheres sheared before the transition to discontinuous sheared thickened. Credit Benjamin Levich Institute, The City College of New York Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.