Sph numerical approach in modelling 2d muddy debris flow

Abstract

D muddy debris flow has been simulated accord - ing to a dam break like problem along a slope. The two sets of equations related to the fluid and solid phases, as considered by the debris flow mixture theory, have been simplified in only one set of equations, consider - ing just one equivalent material. Then the Herschel- Bulkley fluid constitutive equations have been select - ed. The correct parameters of the HeRsCHel-bulkley model have been chosen in order to correctly simulate the behaviour of mudflows. The final mathematical model, has been solved numerically with the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method. SPH is a par- ticle mesh-free Lagrangian method, well suitable for computing highly transitory free surface flows of com - plex fluids in complex geometries. Finally a laboratory experimental test has been selected for comparison. Satisfactory results have been achieved. Nevertheless, further parametric analyses will be carried out and fur- ther considerations about both constitutive equations and numerical improvements will be employed and discussed in future papers.