Slow spreading of a sheet of Bingham fluid on an inclined plane

Abstract

To study the dynamics of fluid mud with a high concentration of cohesive clay particles, we present a theory for a thin sheet of Bingham-plastic fluid flowing slowly on an inclined plane. The physics is discussed on the approximate basis of the lubrication theory. Because of the yield stress, the free surface need not be horizontal when the Bingham fluid is in static equilibrium, nor parallel to the plane bed when in steady flow. We then show that there is a variety of gravity currents that can advance at a constant speed and with the same profile. Experimental confirmation of one type is presented. By solving a nonlinear partial differential equation, transient flows due either to a steady upstream discharge or to the sudden release of a finite fluid mass on another fluid layer are studied. In the first case there is a mud front which ultimately propagates as a constant speed as a steady gravity current. In the second case, when the ambient layer is sufficiently shallow that there is no initial motion, the flow induced by the new fluid can terminate after the disturbance has travelled a finite distance. The extent of the final spread is examined. Disturbances due to an external pressure travelling parallel to the free surface are also examined. It is found in particular that a travelling localized pulse of pressure gradient not only generates a localized mud disturbance which travels along with the forcing pressure, but further leaves behind a permanent footprint.