Novel experiment to examine failure and flow of Earth materials
Abstract
This proposal seeks to build a unique laboratory flume in order to pursue a long term novel research direction: examining the granular and fluid physics involved with the catastrophic collapse and flow of soil, such as occurs in landslides, submarine avalanches and pyroclastic flows. A flume with dimensions 9 m long x 0.6 m deep x 0.05 m wide will be constructed, that can tilt from 0 to 3% slope. The unprecedented suite of experiments we plan to pursue demand two highly-specialized and un- usual components: (1) a pressurized chamber able to fluidize granular material with both air and water, and then to release this material in a Òdam breakÓ type experiment to examine runout; and (2) a coupled- camera laser system mounted on an automated, precision cart that is capable of moving with the retreating front of a failing granular pile and measuring fluid and particle motion simultaneously. The channel can also recirculate water and sediment, to examine more conventional river transport scenarios. This facility will allow pioneering research that builds on JerolmackÕs currently-funded ARO work, using emerging concepts and approaches from soft-matter physics and materials science to enhance pre- diction of Earth material flows. The work is Army relevant: landscape in- stability threatens terrestrial and marine infrastructure, and soil stability is a critical factor in the navigability of terrain by vehicles. Experiments will be conducted entirely by students and postdocs, who will gain experience in the integration of fundamental physics with geoscience. Such integration is essential for training a cadre of scientists capable of tack- ling DoD-relevant research in Earth-surface science. The flume will also be used for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. This project will strengthen and expand JerolmackÕs collaborations across disciplines at Penn, building our capacity to address future DoD research challenges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 04, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1610196
Entities
People
- Douglas J. Jerolmack
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Pennsylvania