Micromechanical features of jet erosion - A numerical perspective

The erosion mechanisms driving the particle detachment of a soil under an impinging jet are here analysed from a micromechanical perspective combining the numerical Discrete Element and Lattice Boltzmann methods (DEM-LBM). Firstly, the local hydrodynamic conditions of both free and impinging jets are examined and briefly discussed, particularly on the relevance of the superficial irregularities of the granular assembly, which can dominate the local distribution of hydrodynamic variables over the impingement area. Profiles of both macromechanic and discrete (micromechanic) variables will be put forward. Then, the onset of erosion is reviewed from a topological point of view (locality of first grain motion) on the basis of a parametric study. Finally, the variation of the critical inflow velocity for the initiation of erosion in dependence on the particle size is also examined and briefly discussed.