Oblique Shocks.pdf

Oblique shocks occur in rapid granular flows when they interact with deflecting dams, resulting in abrupt transitions in flow depth, velocity, and direction. Experiments and shallow-layer modeling show good agreement, with the upstream Froude number determining the nature of the deflection. The study investigates the interaction between rapid granular flows and deflecting dams, with applications to avalanche defense structures. Key findings include:

Oblique shocks form when granular flows are deflected by dams, with flow depth, velocity, and direction changing abruptly.
The upstream Froude number determines the nature of the deflection, with the flow regime corresponding to many natural avalanches.
Experiments with water and grain flows show similarities in steady deflection patterns, but differences in initial interaction due to high pressures in water flows.
A shallow-layer model is developed to predict the flow following deflection, with the Froude number playing a crucial role.
* The study provides new insights into the interaction between granular flows and obstacles, with implications for avalanche defense structures.