Centrifuge Study on the Submarine Mudflows

Abstract

Submarine mudflow is one of the most serious geohazards. A new Mini-drum Centrifuge apparatus was developed for use. A series of experiments were performed to investigate the flow behaviour of submarine mud, based on the following aspects: (i) side view; (ii) change in basal pore pressure; (iii) change in water content and (iv) change in the Reynolds number. In this series of centrifuge tests in the subaqueous environment, the submarine mudflow transformed from a highly concentrated mudflow to a turbulent current at a water content of 113% to 121%. Accordingly, the Reynolds number Re, as the threshold of turbulent flow was about 1,150–2,250. Based on the water content measured before and after each test, the water entrainment during the flowing process was minimal for laminar flows, but large for turbulent flows. In addition, the evolution of basal pore pressure was found to be closely related to the regime of submarine mudflow: laminar or turbulent.

Keywords:

• Centrifuge experiment
• submarine mudflow
• turbulent current

Acknowledgements

This research work is part of the activities of the Schofield Centre at the University of Cambridge. The work presented in the article is part of the Modelling of Mudslide Runout Project which was a collaborative project between the University of Cambridge and BP. We thank Dr. Stuart Haigh (University of Cambridge) and Professor Kenichi Soga (UC Berkeley) for comments that greatly improved the research results.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.