Numerical Modeling of Submarine Landslide Motion and Impact Behavior Based on the SPH Method

Submarine landslides frequently occur on continental margins and slopes, thereby causing serious damage to offshore structures. Therefore, analyzing their motion behavior and predicting their impact forces are crucial. In this work, the smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) algorithm is used in the development of a multiphase flow model for submarine landslides. The underwater landslide and the ambient water are simulated using the non-Newtonian and Newtonian fluid models, respectively. An artificial diffusion term of density is incorporated in the governing equation, and the equation of state is modified to improve the stability and accuracy of the SPH model. Three benchmark problems are simulated using the SPH model. The effect of SPH particle size on the simulated results is also explored. The effects of the rheological parameters on the landslide motion behavior are investigated by conducting a sensitivity analysis. Numerical results fit the experimental data well, indicating the good stability of the SPH model and its accuracy in simulating the motion and impact behavior of submarine landslides.