Three-dimensional numerical modeling study on the failure evolution of tailing dam

For exploration and analysis on the degree of catastrophe after tailing dam failure, the physical and mechanical properties of tailing sands, characteristics of the failure dam model, as well as its mathematical model are analyzed in this paper, on which a three-dimensional fluid mechanics model is established by Fluent to appropriately investigate the evolution after the failure of tailing dam. Evolution and characteristics in terms of movement rate of sand flow, punching force and corresponding parameters of sand embedment depth are captured. The distribution of tailing sand movement as well as the distribution of pressure at individual section is further obtained, which provides significant theoretical basis for the analysis after tailing dam catastrophe, risk assessment and safety/emergency management. © Copyright 2016 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved.