Effects of water influx, inter-particle interaction, and turbulence on the critical velocity for soil particle separation

Abstract

The loss of strength in soils due to the breaking of soil cohesion by intrusion of flowing water is a common
problem in areas where soils are often saturated with water. This paper aims to show the effects of different variables to the critical velocity at which soil particles separate. The model takes into account the effect of inter-particle forces and turbulence. It was shown that the effect of adding turbulence and these additional forces makes a significant difference in the dynamics of the system. It was found that increasing particle diameter, inter-particle distance, and fluid ionic concentration decreases the critical velocity of the fluid while increasing temperature makes the critical velocity increase.