An extension of the drift-flux model for submarine granular flows

To model submarine flows of granular materials we propose an extension of the drift-flux approach. The extended model is able to represent dilute suspensions as well as dense granular flows. The dense granwular flow is modelled as a Herschel–Bulkley fluid, with a yield stress that depends on the dispersed phase pressure. Qualitative numerical experiments show that the model is able to correctly reproduce the stability of submerged sand heaps with different internal angles of friction and initial slopes. When initially starting with heaps with an angle smaller than the internal angle of friction, the heaps are stable. When starting with heaps with angles larger than the internal angle of friction, a flow of solid material is initiated. The flow later stops when the bed is at an angle smaller than the internal angle of friction.