Lattice-Boltzmann Method for Geophysical Plastic Flows

TL;DR

This paper adapts the Lattice-Boltzmann Method to simulate geophysical plastic flows like mudflows and debris flows by incorporating a Bingham model, demonstrated through a full-scale inclined channel simulation.

Contribution

It introduces a modified Lattice-Boltzmann approach for geophysical plastic flows, expanding its application beyond traditional fields.

Findings

Successful simulation of mudflows and debris flows.

Implementation of Bingham constitutive model within Lattice-Boltzmann framework.

Simulation of fluid interaction with obstacles in geophysical scenarios.

Abstract

We explore possible applications of the Lattice-Boltzmann Method for the simulation of geophysical flows. This fluid solver, while successful in other fields, is still rarely used for geotechnical applications. We show how the standard method can be modified to represent free-surface realization of mudflows, debris flows, and in general any plastic flow, through the implementation of a Bingham constitutive model. The chapter is completed by an example of a full-scale simulation of a plastic fluid flowing down an inclined channel and depositing on a flat surface. An application is given, where the fluid interacts with a vertical obstacle in the channel.