Abstract
When water flows through a graded soil there is always the possibility of erosion of finer particles. Though numerous studies have been conducted in the past, only little is known about the micro-mechanics of different phases of erosion. However, it is important to better understand the conditions leading to the initiation of erosion and the hydro-mechanical interactions between the liquid phases (water and fluidised particles) and the solid skeleton to be able to improve and develop new criteria for the assessment of erosion. The presented work explores the simulation capabilities of micro scale erosion by coupling Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM). The LBM simulates fluid flow within pore space while particle dynamics are modelled using the DEM. The coupling law is proposed with the momentum transfer between the fluid and the particles in contact. The effect of the hydraulic load on soil particles at particle scale can be quantified. Clear observations can be seen related to the characteristics of fluid flow through the porous medium and the critical hydraulic gradient leading to particle movements.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
