Summary
The SASS computer model was developed to simulate the planar motion of a single rock down a mountain side. The falling rock is modelled as a rigid ellipsoidal body with axes varying between defined limits. The slope is partitioned into discrete elements, and the model accounts for sliding, rolling, impact and free flight of the individual rock. Data relating to the geology and morphology of the slope are required. With them one may calculate the distribution of linear and angular velocities of a rock along its path ist height of rise and its run-out distances. Varying initial and/or basal conditions permits estimation of the extent of endangered zones. Two applications illustrate the workability and usefulness of the code.
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Bozzolo, D., Pamini, R. Simulation of rock falls down a valley side. Acta Mechanica 63, 113–130 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01182543
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01182543