Stress level effect on mobility of dry granular flows of angular rock fragments

Abstract Granular flows of angular rock fragments such as avalanches and dense pyroclastic are simulated numerically by means the discrete element method. Since large-scale generate stresses that larger than those generated small-scale flows, purpose these simulations is to understand effect stress level has on flow mobility. The results show granular slide en mass have a mobility not influenced level. On contrary, governs when dynamics affected clast agitation collisions. This second case occurs relatively rougher subsurface where an increase causes also increases, volume switches sign from causing decrease at low high latter corresponds famous Heim’s with large detected so far only in field for this reason considered inexplicable without resorting extraordinary mechanisms. described terms dimensionless scaling parameters three different regimes. paper illustrates each regime functional relationship level, volume, grain size, channel width, basal friction.