Fluidization of soil under increasing seepage flow: an energy perspective through CFD-DEM coupling

Abstract Increasing seepage flow causes soil particles to migrate, i.e., from local piping complete fluidization, resulting in reduced effectives stress and degraded shear stiffness of the foundation. This process has received considerable attention past years, however, majority them concentrate on macro-aspects such as internal erosion deformation, while there is a lack fundamental studies addressing energy transport at micro-scale fluid-soil systems during approaching fluidization. In this regard, current study presents an assessment evolution fluidization based discrete element method (DEM) coupled with computation fluid dynamics (CFD). paper, upward modelled by CFD modified Navier–Stokes equations, are governed DEM their mutual interactions being computed through fluid-particle force models. The transformation potential state kinetic forms flowing discussed respect numerical (CFD-DEM) results conservation concepts. show that induced flows lost due frictional mechanisms, only small amount needed cause fluidize completely. contribution rotational translational components total particles, changing roles also presented. effect boundary condition investigated discussed. Graphical abstract