Smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulation of debris flow on deposition area

Debris flows, highly destructive and rapidly moving mixtures of water, sediment, and rock, pose significant threats to human settlements and infrastructure in mountainous regions. Predicting the deposition patterns of debris flows is crucial for hazard assessment and mitigation. Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) has emerged as a valuable numerical simulation technique for modeling debris flow deposition due to its ability to capture complex fluid-solid interactions and particle dynamics. This study focuses on employing SPH simulation to investigate debris flow deposition patterns and assess their accuracy through Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) validation. The methodology encompasses the discretization of fluid and solid phases into particles, governed by hydrodynamic and constitutive equations, respectively. The coupling of fluid and solid interactions enables the representation of entrainment, transport, and settling of particles, yielding insights into deposition patterns. Twelve case studies are discussed to validate the accuracy and applicability of SPH simulations in reproducing deposition patterns. Additionally, challenges such as numerical stability, parameter sensitivity, and computational efficiency are addressed, along with potential enhancements in modeling techniques. Notably, it was observed that around three specific numerical instances demonstrated an extraordinary level of similarity (2.98%, 7.51% & 9.83%) to the deposition pattern that was observed during the experimental phase. As SPH continues to advance, it holds promise as a reliable tool for assessing debris flow hazards and guiding land-use planning and disaster management efforts in vulnerable regions.