Development of a centrifuge device to model submarine gravity flow and seabed response

This paper introduces a state-of-the-art centrifuge device designed to simulate submarine gravity flows and their effects on the seabed. It features a double-gate release system, enabling the rapid discharge of gravity flow slurry. Using this device, the responses of pore pressure and soil pressure in the seabed were experimentally investigated for the first time. Results demonstrate that critical flow parameters, such as the front velocity and Froude number, align well with field data. Unlike subaerial debris flows, seabed deformation occurs primarily behind the flow head, rather than upon its arrival, due to the entrapment of a thin water film. Future advancements, including scaling up the device and integrating advanced monitoring technologies, are underway.