Multi-phase flow simulation of impulsive waves generated by a sub-aerial granular landslide on an erodible slope

This study uses a multi-phase flow model to examine the impulsive waves generated by collapse of steep slopes at a water body. Possible effects of slope's erodibility on the motion of the landslide and the resulting waves are investigated by comparing a sub-aerial landslide on a rigid slope to that on an erodible slope. Key parameters that are relevant to the generation of the impulsive waves are examined, including the time series of the elevation and location of first wave crest, the location and thickness of granular flow front, submerged granular volume, and potential and kinetic energy for water and granular landslide. Before it is free from the influence of the granular front, the generated wave is a forced wave traveling at the speed of the granular flow front. The first wave crest is about to leave the granular flow front when the speed of the granular front is close to the celerity at which a free long wave can propagate in the water above the granular front, and the maximum height of the first wave crest is reached at the time when the first wave has completed its transition from a forced wave to a free wave. It appears that the erodible slope can increase (1) the volume of the granular material plunged into water, (2) the thickness of granular flow front, and (3) the height of the first wave generated by the landslide. However, the total volume of the granular material plunged into water is not directly related to the height of the first wave.

Automated summary

This study uses a multi-phase flow model to examine impulsive waves generated by collapse of steep slopes into water bodies. The effects of slope erodibility on landslide motion and resulting waves are investigated by comparing rigid and erodible slopes. Key parameters related to impulsive wave generation, such as wave elevation, granular flow characteristics, and energy distribution, are examined in the study.