Abstract: As a artificial high-potential energy hazard source,the tailings pond poses a serious threat to the downstream lives,property,and ecological environment. Based on the downstream topographic conditions of a tailings pond,a fine three-dimensional finite element model for dam breach was established,and a mathematical model describing the flow law of dam breach slurry was proposed utilizing the finite volume method,and then a quantitative evaluation of the dam breach impact on the downstream villages was conducted comprehensively. The study result reveals that almost all the villages at the downstream were submerged. The areas of the submergence depths over 20 m and 40 m are about 56. 5% and 28. 3%,respectively. The flow pattern of the dam breach slurry is significantly influenced by the downstream slope,and the whole process can be divided into three stages:the discharge velocity of slurry is rapid in the initial stage of the dam breach,the average velocity at the downstream reaches 17. 3 m/ s,and then it significantly decreases to 0. 54 m/ s in the second stage,and the slurry begins to expand laterally to the left and right banks,finally,in the last stage of the dam breach,the slurry reaches a stable state and does not flow. The findings of this study provide a fundamental basis for the impact assessment of the tailings pond breach,and they also offer insights for other similar engineering studies. 

Key words: tailings pond,dam breach,numerical simulation,inundation range