Computational simulation of Theologically classified soil flow over augers

摘要

The flow of soil over mechanical augers used for the placement of piles is computationally modelled using the generalised Newtonian fluid-flow model. Initially, a constant coefficient of viscosity determined experimentally using a shear box test, was used for the Newtonian case. To further improve the accuracy of the model, rheological properties of sand were obtained using a rheometer and it was seen that the sand has a shear thinning behaviour Qualitative validation was carried out through comparative analysis of streamlines seen from the computational simulations and scratch marks present on a scaled tool used in an auger test facility. The similarities between the computational and experimental results suggest that the soil, when sheared beyond failure, can be modelled as fluid using appropriate material properties.