Dynamic analysis of impulse waves generated by the collapse of granular pillars

Abstract

Impulse waves generated by the collapse of pillar-shaped rock masses in Three Gorges, China, have attracted the attention of both researchers and local authorities owing to their catastrophic consequences. In this work, particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) was used to study impulse waves generated by the collapse of granular pillars during a series of physical experiments. Subsequently, the scenes of particles collapsing into water and the resulting impulse waves were analysed in terms of the solid/fluid fields. The energy obtained by the water during this process is mainly derived from the volume encroachment and continuous thrusting of particles. As indicated by the experimental results, as the aspect ratio (a) of the pillar and water depth increased, the potential energy of the granular pillar became more prone to reduction, whereas the efficiency of energy conversion to the liquid phase reduced. At constant water depth and granular pillar width, the maximum amplitude generated by the collapse of the granular pillar remained essentially the same (i.e., “saturation” was achieved) once the aspect ratio exceeded a certain threshold. The maximum impulse wave (the primary wave) formed before the main body of particles collapsed, resulting in the "saturation" of the maximum amplitude. When the kinetic energy of the particles reaches the maximum, the ratio of energy dissipation of the particles is the lowest; as the energy of water reaches the maximum, the particle collapse process does not end. The dynamic analysis of the impulse waves generated by the collapse of granular pillars provides a new approach to obtain an in-depth understanding of landslides and impulse waves. This can provide technical guidelines for disaster prevention and mitigation of impulse waves generated by bank collapse or coastline collapse.