Model for erosion-deposition patterns

TL;DR

This paper presents a computational pore network model simulating erosion-deposition pattern formation, reproducing natural patterns and grain clustering with tilt, aligning well with experimental observations.

Contribution

The study introduces a dynamic pore network model coupling fluid flow and particle movement, capturing erosion-deposition patterns and grain clustering phenomena.

Findings

Model reproduces natural erosion patterns

Grains form tilted clusters at certain porosities

Results agree with recent experimental data

Abstract

We investigate through computational simulations with a pore network model the formation of patterns caused by erosion-deposition mechanisms. In this model, the geometry of the pore space changes dynamically as a consequence of the coupling between the fluid flow and the movement of particles due to local drag forces. Our results for this irreversible process show that the model is capable to reproduce typical natural patterns caused by well known erosion processes. Moreover, we observe that, within a certain range of porosity values, the grains form clusters that are tilted with respect to the horizontal with a characteristic angle. We compare our results to recent experiments for granular material in flowing water and show that they present a satisfactory agreement.