Failure Mechanism of True 2D Granular Flows

Abstract: Most previous experimental investigations of two-dimensional (2D) granular column collapses have been conducted using three-dimensional (3D) granular materials in narrow horizontal channels (i.e., quasi-2D condition). Our recent research on 2D granular column collapses by using 2D granular materials (i.e., aluminum rods) has revealed results that differ markedly from those reported in the literature. We assume a 2D column with an initial height of h0 and initial width of d0, a defined as their ratio (a =h0/d0), a final height of h , and maximum run-out distance of d . The experimental data suggest that for the low a regime (a <0.65) the ratio of the final height to initial height is 1. However, for the high a regime (a >0.65), the ratio of a to (d-d0)/d0, h0/h , or d/d0 is expressed by power-law relations. In particular, the following power-function ratios (h0/h=1.42a^2/3 and d/d0=4.30a^0.72) are proposed for every a >0.65. In contrast, the ratio (d-d0)/d0=3.25a^0.96 only holds for 0.65< a< 1.5, whereas the ratio (d-d0)/d0=3.80a^0.73 holds for a>1.5. In addition, the influence of ground contact surfaces (hard or soft beds) on the final run-out distance and destruction zone of the granular column under true 2D conditions is investigated.