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Analysis of unsteady flow toward an artesian well by three‐dimensional finite elements
Author(s) -
Huang Yang H.,
Sonnenfeld Stephen L.
Publication year - 1974
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/wr010i003p00591
Subject(s) - finite element method , artesian aquifer , uniqueness , aquifer , matrix (chemical analysis) , drawdown (hydrology) , stiffness matrix , hydrogeology , homogeneous , flow (mathematics) , simple (philosophy) , stiffness , mathematics , geology , mathematical analysis , mechanics , geotechnical engineering , geometry , structural engineering , engineering , physics , groundwater , materials science , philosophy , epistemology , combinatorics , composite material
A numerical method based on three‐dimensional finite elements is presented for determining the unsteady drawdown around an artesian well. The uniqueness of the method lies in the use of cylindrical elements, the stiffness matrix of which can be easily derived. The method was programed for a high‐speed computer, and the capability of the computer program is described. A comparison between the finite element and the exact analytical solutions for some simple cases indicates that the use of cylindrical elements yields accurate results. An example is given to illustrate the application of the method to non‐homogeneous and asymmetric aquifers where the hydrogeologic boundaries can be approximated by the cylindrical elements.