SPH-DEM Coupled Foundation Scour Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current numerical simulation methods for bridge scouring, such as Euler-based methods, face challenges in converging when dealing with complex fluid surface fragmentation and waves, require extensive resources, and lack real-time analysis of foundation stability and sediment incipient motion under scouring conditions, especially in simulating fluid-solid-soil coupling effects.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-solid-soil coupling simulation method based on SPH-DEM coupling and multiphase flow theory, which constructs particle models for fluid and soil particles, introduces yield criteria and contact forces, and corrects fluid and rigid particle equations to analyze scouring processes, enabling real-time dynamic response analysis and sediment incipient motion consideration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Euler-based numerical simulation method is used to solve N-S fluid control equations, then fluid dynamic force can be obtained, but it is difficult to converge when dealing with complex fluid surface fragmentation and waves, and long time or large number of resources are required for solving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional Euler-based finite volume method with a smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) meshless method. This substitution transforms the computational approach from grid-based to particle-based, enabling efficient handling of complex free surface flows, fragmentation, and wave dynamics without convergence issues. The SPH method naturally handles large deformations and free surface conditions that cause Euler method failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental computational parameters by transitioning from fixed Eulerian grids to moving Lagrangian particles. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to dynamic flow conditions, where particles automatically track fluid motion and interface evolution, eliminating the need for complex mesh regeneration and improving computational efficiency for scouring problems.
2Measurement precision
If Euler-based numerical simulation method is used, then fluid dynamic force can be obtained, but there is no real soil model, leading to difficulty in soil evolution track tracing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the SPH fluid simulation with a discrete element method (DEM) soil model into a unified coupled framework. This integration allows simultaneous tracking of fluid particles and soil particles, enabling real-time analysis of fluid-solid-soil coupling effects during scouring. The combined model naturally traces soil evolution as particles are displaced, eroded, or deposited by flowing water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupled interaction mechanism as an intermediary between the fluid SPH model and the soil DEM model. This intermediary transfers momentum and forces between fluid particles and soil particles, enabling realistic simulation of scouring processes where flowing water exerts forces on bridge foundations and surrounding soil, causing erosion and structural response.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing numerical model processes scouring foundation as a fixed boundary, then calculation is simplified, but there are almost no studies for analysis on foundation stability from scouring hollowing in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed boundary assumption into a dynamic model where the bridge foundation is represented as an assembly of rigid DEM particles that can move, rotate, and interact with each other. This dynamic representation allows real-time tracking of foundation stability as scouring hollows develop around the structure, capturing the evolving mechanical response without oversimplification.
4Productivity
If SPH method is used to simulate scouring problem, then soil model can be constructed and no need to introduce numerical sediment transport model, but there are few research and application cases about scour simulation based on SPH-DEM coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex scouring simulation into distinct functional modules: fluid flow simulation using SPH, soil mechanics using DEM, coupled interaction mechanisms, and sediment transport criteria. This segmentation allows each module to be independently developed and validated, reducing the overall algorithm design complexity while maintaining high simulation efficiency through modular computation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method achieves real-time refined simulation of the fluid-solid-soil coupling process with high precision and operability, improving the efficiency and accuracy of bridge scouring analysis by considering sediment incipient motion and foundation stability.
Implementation Method 1
The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method is a numerical solution method based on the Lagrangian form
Implementation Method 2
a discrete element method (DEM) algorithm also belongs to the numerical solution method based on the Lagrangian form
Implementation Method 3
setting the soil particle model as non-Newtonian fluid, and determining a soil viscosity μHBP based on an HBP model
Implementation Method 4
introducing a DP yield criterion to calculate specific material yield stress τy
Implementation Method 5
introducing a fluid-solid coupling theory based on the particle model obtained in step 1 to correct a fluid control equation
Implementation Method 6
introducing a sediment particle Shield criterion, correcting a sediment incipient motion model
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a foundation scour fluid-solid-soil coupling simulation algorithm based on SPH-DEM coupling and a multiphase flow theory, including: constructing a particle model, setting fluid particles and bed material particles based on the multiphase flow theory, and setting rigid particles based on a DEM theory; correcting a fluid control equation based on a fluid-solid coupling theory, and solving governing equations of the fluid particles; solving governing equations of DEM rigid particles by introducing fluid-solid coupling force, introducing fluid-soil and soil-solid coupling force to correct a sediment incipient motion model, based on a sediment Shield criterion, and solving foundation scour governing equations; and finishing a time step and entering next cycle. The present disclosure introduces a plurality of structure and state models through secondary development based on the SPH-DEM coupling and the multiphase flow theory, thereby realizing refined numerical simulation of foundation scour fluid-solid-soil coupling.