A framework for predicting abrasion rupture of crusts in wind erosion. Issue 13 (29th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fattahi, Seyed Mohammad; Soroush, Abbas; Huang, Ning; Zhang, Jie; Jodari Abbasi, Sona; Yu, Yang
• Is Part Of: Earth surface processes and landforms. Volume 46:Issue 13(2021)
• Page Start: 2565
• Page End: 2581
• Publication Date: 2021-07-29
• Subjects: abrasion -- durability -- high‐speed photography -- saltation -- scratch test -- wind erosion; Geomorphology -- Periodicals; 551.4
• DOI: 10.1002/esp.5194
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-9337

Abstract

Abstract: Crusts play a crucial role in the reduction or control of wind erosion. In this regard, the resilience and durability of crusts are of prime importance. Crusts have high resilience and durability against wind flow shear stresses; however, they are prone to abrasion induced by saltating particles. Therefore, estimating crust durability in abrasion rupture has practical importance. In this study, a cyanocrust and a biocemented sand crust were subjected to a controlled flux of saltating particles for different sandblasting periods to provide a framework for predicting crust rupture. The velocity and pre‐ and post‐collision energy of the saltating particles were measured using high‐speed photography. The changes in the strength of the crusts after different periods of sandblasting were determined using a scratch test. The results suggested that the average strength of the cyanocrust and biocemented sand crust became 0.25 and 0.7 of their corresponding initial values after 30 min of sandblasting. Also, the average stiffness of the cyanocrust and biocemented sand crust decreased to 0.5 and 0.9 of their initial values, respectively. Furthermore, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the crusts increased by the deterioration of the crusts. Compiling the results of the wind tunnel experiment and scratch tests yielded an exponential equation which can be used to estimate crust durability in a given condition of saltation. Based on this equation, the cyanocrust and biocemented sand crust will break down entirely after 23 and 449 min, respectively, at a wind velocity of 6.8 m/s and a saltation flux of 1 g/s/m. Abstract : Crust strength and stiffness reduce by expanding sandblasting duration. The overlap between the PDFs of the unit impact energy and strength increases over time. Determining the overlap changes provides a framework for predicting crust durability.