Advances in Modelling Methods for Lava Flows Simulation

Lava flows represent a problem particularly challenging for physically based modeling because the mechanical and thermal features of lava change over time. We developed a model for lava flow simulations based on Cellular Automata, called MAGFLOW. A steady state solution of Navier Stokes equation in the case of Bingham fluid was taken into account as evolution function of CA. For the cooling mechanism, we consider the radiative heat loss only from the surface of the flow, and the change of the temperature due to mixture of lavas between different cells. The achievements related to simulate the path of lava flow outpoured during some eruptions of Etna volcano are shown. [ DOI : 10.1685/CSC06067] About DOI