Numerical Investigation of Multiple-Impact Behavior of Granular Flow on a Rigid Barrier

Abstract

The debris–barrier interaction issue has gained considerable attention among the engineering community, but most researches have only focused on the single-surge impact condition, with the multiple-surge impact mechanism still lacking clarity. However, multiple-surge impact is more typical in the field. Thus, we conduct some numerical simulations based on the discrete element method (DEM) and present a series of results that provide preliminary insights into the multiple-surge impact mechanism. The DEM model is firstly calibrated using physical experimental results and then used to investigate the flow kinematics, impact dynamics and energy evolution of the successive impact process. The results indicate that compared with single-surge conditions, the barrier is safer under multiple-surge impact as the deposition spreading distance is extended by 6–20% and the impact force is reduced by 6–30%. The dead zone formed by the previous surge behaves as a cushioning layer and a medium for momentum transfer. Three mechanisms of energy dissipation during surge–dead-zone interactions were identified: friction and penetration at the interaction face between the surge and dead zone, inelastic deformation of the dead zone, and inter-particle interaction within the surge. Each component was analyzed, which shows that inter-particle collision friction accounts for over 60% of the total energy loss during surge–dead-zone interaction. In addition, the performance of granular jump theory in predicting the multiple-surge impact force is assessed, and some possible modifications are proposed. Finally, some engineering implications from the presented numerical results are discussed.