Investigation of the one-dimensional motion of a snow avalanche along a flat slope

Abstract

In view of the developing construction in mountainous regions where there is danger from avalanches, the problem of protection against avalanches has become timely. In the solution of this problem, various methods can be used in practice; in connection with the use of these methods, there arise a great number of engineering and mechanical problems. In particular, in the design of structures for protection against avalanches, information is needed on the parameters of moving avalanches, i.e., on velocities, heights of the front, densities of the snow, etc., that is to say, calculations of the motion of avalanches along a slope, as well as of their interaction with the structure under consideration. From a practical point of view, information on the maximal range of the throw, i.e., on the boundary of the avalanche danger zone, is also important. The present article is devoted to an analytical and numerical investigation of the one-dimensional motion of an avalanche; an asymptotic solution is obtained to the problem of the one-dimensional motion of an avalanche along a homogeneous slope.