Research Projects
ModCompShock: Modelling and Computation of Shocks and Interfaces
Principal investigator
- Prof. Dr. Siddhartha Mishra, Seminar for Applied Mathematics, ETH Zurich
Researchers
- Soumil Gurjar, Seminar for Applied Mathematics, ETH Zurich
- Pratyuksh Bansal, Seminar for Applied Mathematics, ETH Zurich
Start date: 01.10.2015 / End date: 30.06.2020
Description
Mixed flowing/powder avalanches are characterised by a fast moving core of heavy ice/snow particles and a powder suspension cloud consisting of fine ice dust. These avalanches are especially dangerous because they reach high velocities and long run-out distances, especially in the cold, steep terrains. The area inundated by the avalanche is difficult to predict because the powder cloud can decouple from the avalanche core and move independently, reaching distances well beyond the reach of the dense core. Numerical avalanche dynamics models have become an essential part of snow engineering. A longstanding problem in avalanche dynamics is to model the flow of a mixed flowing/powder avalanche. An accurate prediction of avalanche run-out distances, flow velocities and impact pressures in natural three-dimensional terrain is the driving motivation behind the development of improved snow avalanche dynamics models. Of particular importance for powder avalanche is the spreading velocity of the cloud when it becomes detached from the core and inundates regions beyond the reach of the dense, flowing avalanche core. Accurate modelling of the pressures associated with the spreading of the cloud is often decisive in many practical applications, for both hazard mapping and back calculations of specific events. The focus of research is on developing numerical avalanche dynamics models in order to understand the flow of a mixed flowing/powder avalanche under complex terrain conditions. In particular, we concentrate on the simulation of the powder suspension cloud within the avalanche. The final validation of the model will be performed by comparing against data gathered from an actual avalanche event at a test facility. It will then be integrated with the existing avalanche simulation software for easier visualisation and practical use at avalanche-prone sites.
Funding
- SBFI / SERI