Two scenarios for avalanche dynamics in inclined granular layers

TL;DR

This paper investigates two distinct avalanche behaviors in inclined granular layers, highlighting differences between smooth and irregular particles, and offers a theoretical model explaining these scenarios based on rheological properties.

Contribution

It introduces a new classification of avalanche scenarios and develops a depth-averaged theoretical model accounting for different granular rheologies.

Findings

Different avalanche behaviors observed for smooth and irregular grains.

A theoretical framework explaining the two avalanche scenarios.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of avalanche dynamics.

Abstract

We report experimental measurements of avalanche behavior of thin granular layers on an inclined plane for low volume flow rate. The dynamical properties of avalanches were quantitatively and qualitatively different for smooth glass beads compared to irregular granular materials such as sand. Two scenarios for granular avalanches on an incline are identified and a theoretical explanation for these different scenarios is developed based on a depth-averaged approach that takes into account the differing rheologies of the granular materials.