Author(s): Shiro Maeno; Kohji Michioku; Eito Kase
Linked Author(s): Kohji Michioku
Keywords: Rubble mound weir; Nature-friendly structure; Seepage force; Distinct element method; Failure process; VOF
Abstract: Nature-friendly hydraulic structures such as a rubble mound weir have attracted attention in recent years. Therefore, it is important to establish a numerical model to predict a possible failure process. In this research the distinct element method, which is used for modeling the aggregate of discontinuous elements, is applied to model a failure process of the rubble mound weir. Hydrodynamic forces acting on the rubble of the weir, such as: a drag force and a seepage force are required for the DEM calculation which was obtained by the flow analysis using VOF technique. It is confirmed that the numerical results using the proposed method can reproduce the movement of particles in the early stage of failure under a steady flow condition. The effect of an inter-particle contact angle of the DEM on the failure process of the rubble mound weir was clarified.
Year: 2005