scholarly journals Sensitivity and identifiability of rheological parameters in debris flow modeling

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerardo Zegers ◽  
Pablo A. Mendoza ◽  
Alex Garces ◽  
Santiago Montserrat

Abstract. Over the past decades, several numerical models have been developed to understand, simulate and predict debris flow events. Typically, these models simplify the complex interactions between water and solids using a single-phase approach and different rheological models to represent flow resistance. In this study, we perform a sensitivity analysis on the parameters of a debris flow numerical model (FLO-2D) for a suite of relevant variables (i.e., maximum flood area, maximum flow velocity, maximum flow velocity, deposit volume). Our aims are to (i) examine the degree of model overparameterization, and (ii) assess the effectiveness of observational constraints to improve parameter identifiability. We use the Distributed Evaluation of Local Sensitivity Analysis (DELSA) method, which is a hybrid local-global technique. Specifically, we analyze two creeks in northern Chile that were affected by debris flows on March 25, 2015. Our results show that SD and β1 – a parameter related to viscosity – provide the largest sensitivities. Further, our results demonstrate that equifinality is present in FLO-2D, and that final deposited volume and maximum flood area contain considerable information to identify model parameters.

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 1919-1930
Author(s):  
Gerardo Zegers ◽  
Pablo A. Mendoza ◽  
Alex Garces ◽  
Santiago Montserrat

Abstract. Over the past decades, several numerical models have been developed to understand, simulate and predict debris flow events. Typically, these models simplify the complex interactions between water and solids using a single-phase approach and different rheological models to represent flow resistance. In this study, we perform a sensitivity analysis on the parameters of a debris flow numerical model (FLO-2D) for a suite of relevant variables (i.e., maximum flood area, maximum flow velocity, maximum height and deposit volume). Our aims are to (i) examine the degree of model overparameterization and (ii) assess the effectiveness of observational constraints to improve parameter identifiability. We use the Distributed Evaluation of Local Sensitivity Analysis (DELSA) method, which is a hybrid local–global technique. Specifically, we analyze two creeks in northern Chile (∼29∘ S, 70∘ W) that were affected by debris flows on 25 March 2015. Our results show that SD (surface detention) and β1 (a parameter related to viscosity) provide the largest sensitivities. Further, our results demonstrate that equifinality is present in FLO-2D and that the final deposited volume and maximum flood area contain considerable information to identify model parameters.


Geosciences ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Takebayashi ◽  
Masaharu Fujita

A two-dimensional debris and mud flow model that considers both laminar and turbulence flow was developed. Subsequently, the model was applied to a debris flow that occurred in Asaminami, Hiroshima, Japan in August 2014. The applicability of the model and the debris flow characteristics are discussed. The calculated horizontal distribution of sediment deposited in the Asaminami residential area was in good agreement with the horizontal distribution of the deposited large rocks and driftwood. This result indicates that the fine material in the downstream area was transported by water flow resulting from heavy rain that occurred after the debris flow. The scale of the initial debris flow was small; however, it increased with time, because eroded bed material and water were entrained to it. Therefore, it is important to reproduce the development process of debris flows to predict the amount of sediment produced, the deepest flow depth, the maximum flow velocity, and the inundation area. The averaged velocity of the simulated debris flow was about 9 m/s, and the velocity at the entrance to the residential area was about 8 m/s. This kind of information can be used to design sediment deposition dams. The travel time of the simulated debris flow from the upstream end of the main channel to the entrance of the residential area was 96 s. This kind of information can be used for making evacuation plans. Valley bed steps can suppress the deepest flow depth which is very important for the design of check dams; therefore, the high-resolution elevation data and fine numerical grids that reproduce step shapes are required to accurately calculate the deepest flow depth and maximum flow velocity.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingyue Li ◽  
Betty Sovilla ◽  
Chenfanfu Jiang ◽  
Johan Gaume

Abstract. Snow avalanches cause fatalities and economic damages. Key to their mitigation entails the understanding of snow avalanche dynamics. This study investigates the dynamic behaviors of snow avalanches, using the Material Point Method (MPM) and an elastoplastic constitutive law for porous cohesive materials. By virtue of the hybrid Eulerian-Lagrangian nature of MPM, we can handle processes involving large deformations, collisions and fractures. Meanwhile, the elastoplastic model enables us to capture the mixed-mode failure of snow, including tensile, shear and compressive failure. Using the proposed numerical approach, distinct behaviors of snow avalanches, from fluid-like to solid-like, are examined with varied snow mechanical properties. In particular, four flow regimes reported from real observations are identified, namely, cold dense, warm shear, warm plug and sliding slab regimes. Moreover, notable surges and roll-waves are observed peculiarly for flows in transition from cold dense to warm shear regimes. Each of the flow regimes shows unique flow characteristics in terms of the evolution of the avalanche front, the free surface shape, and the vertical velocity profile. We further explore the influence of slope geometry on the behaviors of snow avalanches, including the effect of slope angle and path length on the maximum flow velocity, the $\\alpha$ angle and the deposit height. Unified trends are obtained between the normalized maximum flow velocity and the scaled $\\alpha$ angle as well as the scaled deposit height, reflecting analogous rules with different geometry conditions of the slope. It is found the maximum flow velocity is mainly controlled by the friction between the bed and the flow, the geometry of the slope, and the snow properties. In addition to the flow behavior before reaching the deposition zone, which has long been regarded as the key factor governing the $\\alpha$ angle, we reveal the crucial effect of the stopping behavior in the deposition zone. Furthermore, our MPM model is benchmarked with simulations of real snow avalanches. The evolution of the avalanche front position and velocity from the MPM modeling shows reasonable agreement with the measurement data from literature. The MPM approach serves as a novel and promising tool to offer systematic and quantitative analysis for mitigation of gravitational hazards like snow avalanches.


1993 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 776-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Schöoning ◽  
Reiner Buchholz ◽  
Jochen Walter

✓ To determine whether the frequency shift recorded in basal cerebral arteries corresponds to “true” flow velocities, a prospective comparative study of transcranial color duplex sonography (TCCD) and transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) was performed. A 2.0-MHz transducer of a computerized TCCD system and a TCD device were used. The middle cerebral artery (MCA) and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) were examined by TCCD in 49 healthy volunteers (mean age 35 ± 12 years). In 45 of the same volunteers a comparative TCD examination was possible. The studies were carried out blindly by different examiners at separate appointments. Peak systolic flow velocity, end-diastolic maximum flow velocity, time-averaged maximum flow velocity, and the pulsatility index were measured by both techniques. Additionally, for TCCD, time-averaged flow velocity was assessed, the resistance index and a spectral broadening index were calculated, and the energy output required for reliable measurement was analyzed. The TCCD signals were recorded in 98% of both MCA's and ACA's; with TCD, signals were recorded in 98% of MCA's and 87% of ACA's. Although in both vessels the angle-corrected peak systolic and time-averaged maximum velocities were approximately 10% to 15% higher in TCCD than in TCD measurements, correlation of flow velocities between both techniques was significant (p < 0.0001); differences between sides and age-dependency of flow velocities corresponded as well. In a reproducibility study, TCCD was repeated in 27 subjects by a third examiner with significant correlation (p < 0.0001) of both TCCD examinations. It is concluded that the advantage of TCCD is associated more with a qualitative aspect than a quantitative one. The additional visual dimension of TCCD can open new diagnostic possibilities in cerebrovascular disorders.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-112
Author(s):  
Giorgos Kouropoulos

In the present study the two-dimensional computational simulation flow of hot exhaust gases which are passed inside an electrostatic precipitator will be carried out. Initially, the theoretical background and necessary equations from fluid mechanics will be described. These equations will be used by software for flow simulation. Furthermore, are presented the design of precipitator through which the exhaust gases are passed. In the next step follows the declaration of various parameters of simulation on the software and finally the necessary images of the computational simulation for two case studies will be extracted. The general conclusions that arise are that the maximum flow velocity of exhaust gases prevails only at the beginning of the entrance of the precipitation element. There are different velocities in all other parts of precipitation element. When the exhaust gases approach the collecting electrodes within the element, their velocity is decreased.


2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 51-58
Author(s):  
Sin-Woong Choi ◽  
A-Young Choi ◽  
Dong-Hun Han

In this study, waterway modeling experiments were conducted by incorporating the information obtained by analyzing accident sites to prevent frequent accidents of firefighters that occur during water rescue operations conducted near water pipes in rapid flow waterways. Based on the conducted experiments, it was observed that the flow velocity increased with decreasing distance from the water pipe. Furthermore, the maximum flow velocity was found to be 3.99 times higher at the posterior end than at the anterior end of the water pipe, and the flow velocity was found to be higher at the lower side than at the upper side of the water pipe’s anterior end. The maximum flow velocity was measured to be 1.65 m/s at a distance of 10 cm from the entrance to the pipe, 2.63 m/s at a distance of 5 cm from the entrance to the pipe, 7.12 m/s within the pipe, and 5.33 m/s at a distance of 5 cm from the pipe’s exit. The average flow velocity was measured to be 0.94 m/s at a distance of 10 cm from the entrance to the pipe, 5.53 m/s within the pipe, and 4.64 m/s at a distance of 5 cm from the pipe’s exit. Furthermore, in this study, relevant standard operating procedures and regulations were taken into consideration. Based on the results obtained from this study, recommendations and guidelines were then accordingly devised for preventing accidents of firefighters that occur during water rescue operations.


1994 ◽  
Vol 267 (4) ◽  
pp. H1263-H1271 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Bauters ◽  
T. Asahara ◽  
L. P. Zheng ◽  
S. Takeshita ◽  
S. Bunting ◽  
...  

This study was designed to assess the physiological consequences of augmented vascularity induced by administration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an endothelial cell-specific mitogen, in a rabbit model of hindlimb ischemia. Ten days after excision of the common and superficial femoral arteries from one hindlimb of 24 New Zealand White rabbits, VEGF (n = 15) or saline (control; n = 9) was selectively injected into the ipsilateral internal iliac artery. Limb perfusion was evaluated immediately pre-VEGF (baseline) and again at days 10 and 30. A Doppler guide wire was advanced to the internal iliac artery to record flow velocity at rest and at maximum flow velocity provoked by intra-arterial injection of papaverine. At baseline and at day 10, no differences in flow parameters were observed between the control and the VEGF-treated animals. By day 30, however, flow at rest (P < 0.05), maximum flow velocity (P < 0.001), and maximum blood flow (P < 0.001) were all significantly higher in the VEGF-treated group. These physiological findings complement previous-anatomic studies by providing evidence that a single intra-arterial bolus of VEGF augments flow, particularly maximum flow, in the rabbit ischemic hindlimb. These data thus support the notion that VEGF administration represents a potential treatment strategy for certain patients with lower extremity ischemia.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucie Pheulpin ◽  
Vito Bacchi

&lt;p&gt;Hydraulic models are increasingly used to assess the flooding hazard. However, all numerical models are affected by uncertainties, related to model parameters, which can be quantified through Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) and Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA). In traditional methods of UQ and GSA, the input parameters of the numerical models are considered to be independent which is actually rarely the case. The objective of this work is to proceed with UQ and GSA methods considering dependent inputs and comparing different methodologies. At our knowledge, there is no such application in the field of 2D hydraulic modelling.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At first the uncertain parameters of the hydraulic model are classified in groups of dependent parameters. Within this aim, it is then necessary to define the copulas that better represent these groups. Finally UQ and GSA based on copulas are performed. The proposed methodology is applied to the large scale 2D hydraulic model of the Loire River. However, as the model computation is high time-consuming, we used a meta-model instead of the initial model. We compared the results coming from the traditional methods of UQ and GSA (&lt;em&gt;i.e.&lt;/em&gt; without taking into account the dependencies between inputs) and the ones coming from the new methods based on copulas. The results show that the dependence between inputs should not always be neglected in UQ and GSA.&lt;/p&gt;


Radiology ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 189 (3) ◽  
pp. 789-793 ◽  
Author(s):  
W K Chong ◽  
T A Malisch ◽  
M J Mazer ◽  
C D Lind ◽  
J A Worrell ◽  
...  

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