Masters Theses

Abstract

"This research uses a Vertically Rotating Flume (VRF) to simulate and to determine the rheological properties of debris flows. The primary purpose of this research was to find a method by which the results obtained by Brown (1992) from the VRF and from a commercially available Baroid Model 286 Variable Speed Rheometer could be brought into better agreement. To achieve this end, an assessment of the Baroid rheometer was made, an evaluation of the one-dimensional Bingham plastic model was made, modifications to the data collection and analysis procedures were pursued, and new equations that describe the multi-dimensional flow in the VRF were formulated and tried. An additional test on a kaolinite slurry was performed.

Implementation of equidistant point spacing in the digitizing procedure and installation of a pointer to help designate the terminus of flow were both beneficial in improving the results obtained from the VRF. A speedometer system was designed and implemented in the kaolinite slurry test to help establish the VRF velocity with greater speed and accuracy. The Baroid rheometer was determined to be an instrument with limitations common to all instruments designed to test non-Newtonian fluid properties. Furthermore, it was discovered that the results from the rheometer are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

Calibration techniques were developed to “shift” the VRF-based rheogram into closer alignment with the rheometer-based rheogram using a strain rate analysis that utilized a reduced profile section compared to that of Brown (1992), with promising results. A two-dimensional force-balance approach was tried in which the velocity profile for a cross section at the deepest point in the flow was to be determined, with relatively little success. A mass-balance system encompassing the entire length of the profile was also tried, also with relatively little success. Finally, a method was derived in which the one dimensional profile used by previous investigations was modified to more fully represent the observed surface flow patterns, with promising results. The effects of softened water on the rheology of kaolinite slurries were examined, and observations about the profile surface slopes were made"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Westphal, Jerome A.

Committee Member(s)

Lentz, Rodney
McConnell, Cary L., 1945-

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Civil Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Geological Survey (U.S.)
Missouri Water Resources Research Center

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 1993

Pagination

xi, 93 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 86-92).

Rights

© 1993 Richard Johannes Huizinga, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Debris avalanchesRheologyRheometers -- TestingViscoplasticity

Thesis Number

T 6567

Print OCLC #

28758485

Electronic OCLC #

962482356

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