Spatial and temporal evolution of an experimental debris flow, exhibiting coupled fluid and particulate phases

Acta Geotechnica, vol. 17, pp. 965–979

Abstract

Abstract The internal behaviour of debris flows provides fundamental insight into the mechanics responsible for their motion. We provide robust velocity data within a small-scale experimental debris flow, consisting of the instantaneous release of a granular material along a rectangular flume, inclined at $$31^{\circ }$$ 31 ∘ . The results show a unique layered transition from a collisional, turbulent front to a non-fluctuating viscous-type flow body, exhibiting strong fluid-particulate coupling. This is the first time that the internal dynamics have been documented within the full architecture of a developing experimental debris flow, from the head to the tail.

Authors 4

1. Caitlin Chalk corresponding

   University of Liverpool

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

   Department of Earth, Ocean, and Ecological Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool UK

2. Jeff Peakall

   University of Leeds

   Affiliation as printed

   School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

   School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

3. Gareth M. Keevil

   University of Leeds

   Affiliation as printed

   School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

   School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

4. Raúl Fuentes Aachen Institute of Geomechanics and Underground Technology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Geomechanics and Underground Technology, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany