Author(s): Nicholas Humphries; Koji Shiono
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Flood; Car; Bed load; Movement; Supercritical flow; Subcritical flow
Abstract: During a flood event, vehicles can easily be swept away by the floodwater. This addition of debris in the flood water is hazardous for people and buildings; therefore it is necessary to investigate the stability limits of vehicles and methods of controlling this flow of debris. In this study, the limits of stability for a Ford Focus have been assessed using laboratory experiments. A scale model was positioned in a hydraulic flume, and the required depth and velocity to initiate movement have been recorded. Several weights of the model were used in order to better understand the effects of weight distribution and buoyancy in vehicles. The results have been compared to existing studies and analysed numerically using formula for drag force, lift force and frictional resistance. A recommended limit of stability has been produced and methods for containing the flow of vehicles in floodwater are suggested.
Year: 2013