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Research and Development of High-performance Explosives
Published on: February 20, 2016
The Savage-Hutter avalanche model: how far can it be pushed?
Kolumban Hutter1, Yongqi Wang, Shiva P Pudasaini
1Department of Mechanics, Darmstadt University of Technology, Germany. hutter@mechanik.tu-darmstadt.de
Summary
The Savage-Hutter model accurately simulates sand avalanches. However, snow avalanches may require additional velocity-dependent friction for accurate modeling, especially for smaller or varied-terrain events.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Continuum Mechanics
- Avalanche Dynamics
Background:
- The Savage-Hutter model is a depth-averaged dynamical model for simulating avalanches.
- It relies on several simplifying assumptions, including density preservation and Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To scrutinize the assumptions of the Savage-Hutter model.
- To delineate the ranges of validity for the model's equations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of the model's assumptions.
- Analysis of model applicability to different avalanche types (snow and sand).
Main Results:
- The Savage-Hutter model is validated for sand avalanches on steep slopes.
- The Mohr-Coulomb sliding law may need enhancement for snow avalanches, potentially with a velocity-dependent term.
Conclusions:
- The Savage-Hutter model is suitable for sand avalanches.
- Further modifications are suggested for accurate snow avalanche simulation, particularly for smaller or complex terrain scenarios.
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