Investigating the Effect of Preimpact Energy Dissipation on Coefficient of Restitution regarding the Slope-Boulder Interaction

Abstract

Coefficient of restitution is regarded as a dominating parameter in rockfall research. Generally, small-scale experiments were developed without considering interactions between boulder and slope. However, preimpact moving statuses are essential to evaluate rockfall behaviors. To reveal the effect of preimpact interactions on coefficient of restitution, energy dissipation considering initial velocity, surface type, and slope angle is executed based on medium-scale tests. The results show that (1) as the inclination of initial velocity, higher rebound height, and the declining normal coefficient of restitution occur, a determinable linear function could demonstrate relationships among energy dissipation and all coefficient of restitution; when initial velocity exceeds 5 m/s, the recovery ability shows and produces an increasing trend with respect to the variation of kinematic coefficient of restitution and kinetic energy coefficient of restitution. (2) As the surface material varies, slope hardness and rebound ability influence normal coefficient of restitution, and the surface roughness and rotation feature dominate tangential coefficient of restitution; considering preimpact slope and boulder interactions, four types of coefficient of restitution follow declining trend with different material sequence. (3) Slope angle affects normal coefficient of restitution, and tangential coefficient of restitution relatively descends 18% and inclines 10% when the angle ranges from 30° to 75°; regarding preimpact moving status, it differs from bounce times. The correlation between preimpact energy dissipation and four coefficients of restitution can be represented by the same decreasing linear function, when increasing the slope angle.