Numerical study of granular flow impacting hemi-spherical structures on steep terrains by a two-phase model with μ(I) rheology closure--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

Yang, K., Tian, Y., Wang, X., & Liu, Q. (2025). Numerical study of granular flow impacting hemi-spherical structures on steep terrains by a two-phase model with μ(I) rheology closure. Particuology, 100, 116-127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2025.03.008

Numerical study of granular flow impacting hemi-spherical structures on steep terrains by a two-phase model with μ(I) rheology closure

Kedi Yang^a, Yuxin Tian^a, Xiaoliang Wang^{a b *}, Qingquan Liu^a

a Department of Mechanics, School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
b Institute of Large Structures for Advanced Industrial Equipment, Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai, 519088, China

10.1016/j.partic.2025.03.008

Volume 100, May 2025, Pages 116-127

Received 10 November 2024, Revised 19 February 2025, Accepted 10 March 2025, Available online 21 March 2025, Version of Record 1 April 2025.

E-mail: wangxiaoliang52086@126.com; wangxiaoliang36@bit.edu.cn

Highlights

• A non-Newtonian two-phase flow model is constructed to model rapid granular flows on steep terrain with obstacles.

• Predicting the entire process of movement and deposition of rapid granular flows on steep terrains with obstacles.

• Small hemispheres at the shoulder could effectively reduce load of large hemisphere in the mainstream area.

Abstract

Granular flow is prevalent in natural disasters such as landslides and avalanches. Investigating the impact characteristics and load variations of granular flows on structures is vital for disaster prevention and mitigation. This study employs a three-dimensional continuum model combined with the Volume of Fluid method, treating the particle phase as a non-Newtonian fluid based on the μ(I) constitutive model. A numerical solver for non-Newtonian two-phase flow capable of describing granular flows on complex terrains has been implemented. Through simulations of a typical laboratory-scale three-dimensional granular column collapse problem, we present spreading processes and deposition distributions which agree with the experimental results, thereby validating the effectiveness of our numerical approach. Using this model, we examine the dynamic interactions between granular flows and single hemispherical obstacles on steep terrains. The predictions regarding depth-time curves at several critical probes and final deposition profiles demonstrate superior accuracy compared to previous forecasts based on depth-averaged models. Additionally, an analysis of the evolution of impact forces exerted by granular flows on obstacles reveals that shoulder obstacles can significantly mitigate impact forces within primary flow regions. We also give the plugging characteristics of the granular flow near the front of the obstacles. In contrast to traditional depth integration models, our methodology offers enhanced insights into three-dimensional flow dynamics and loading characteristics, providing valuable references for disaster prediction and assessment in practical engineering.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Granular flow; Obstacle; μ(I) rheology; Interaction

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