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Modeling aquifer systems with analytic elements and subdomains
Author(s) -
Fitts C. R.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/2009wr008331
Subject(s) - aquifer , isotropy , anisotropy , flow (mathematics) , groundwater flow , layering , transient (computer programming) , geology , boundary value problem , analytic element method , geometry , mechanics , finite element method , geotechnical engineering , mathematics , mathematical analysis , groundwater , computer science , engineering , physics , structural engineering , botany , quantum mechanics , biology , operating system
A new approach for analytic element (AE) modeling of groundwater flow is presented. The approach divides the modeled region into polygonal subdomains, each with its own analytic flow model and its own local isotropic or anisotropic aquifer parameters. This allows analytic modeling of systems where the anisotropy ratio and direction vary spatially, an AE capability not possible without subdomains. It also allows for flexible layering in a model, with more layers in the area of interest abutting fewer layers in the far field. The approach is demonstrated in a model with seven subdomains and a mix of single‐layer and triple‐layer areas. Checks of the model indicate that the inter‐subdomain boundary conditions can be approximated well, and where the differential equation is approximated (multilayer areas and transient flow), that approximation can be quite accurate.