On new erosion models of Savage–Hutter type for avalanches

SummaryIn this work, we study the modeling of one-dimensional avalanche flows made of a moving layer over a static base, where the interface between the two can be time dependent. We propose a general model, obtained by looking for an approximate solution with constant velocity profile to the incompressible Euler equations. This model has an energy dissipation equation that is consistent with the depth integrated energy equation of the Euler system. It has physically relevant steady state solutions, and, for constant slope, it gives a particular exact solution to the incompressible hydrostatic Euler equations. Then, we propose a simplified model, for which the energy conservation holds only up to third-order terms. Its associated eigenvalues depend on the mass exchange velocity between the static and moving layers. We show that a simplification used in some previously proposed models gives a non-consistent energy equation. Our models do not use, nor provide, any equation for the moving interface, thus other arguments have to be used in order to close the system. With special assumptions, and in particular small velocity, we can nevertheless obtain an equation for the evolution of the interface. Furthermore, the unknown parameters of the model proposed by Bouchaud et al. (J Phys Paris I 4,1383–1410, 1994) can be derived. For the quasi-stationary case we compare and discuss the equation for the moving interface with Khakhar’s model (J Fluid Mech 441,225–264, 2001).