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Revisiting the Membrane Analog—A Conceptual and Communication Tool
Author(s) -
Arnold Forest
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
groundwater
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1745-6584
pISSN - 0017-467X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-6584.1991.tb00566.x
Subject(s) - membrane , desk , computer science , analog computer , deflection (physics) , surface (topology) , electronic engineering , engineering , mechanical engineering , mathematics , optics , chemistry , electrical engineering , geometry , physics , biochemistry
Membrane analogs were used before the advent of computers as physical models of stresses on the water‐table surface. Measurement of the membrane deflection can be related to equations representing pumping stresses. Although numerical models using computer techniques have replaced membrane analogs due to their greater accuracy and versatility, the mem brane analog remains an inexpensive way to conceptualize the effect of different boundary conditions, nearby surface‐water bodies and pumping stresses, and is useful in preparing input data sets for numerical modeling. The membrane analog is also a visual way to communicate modeling results and modeling scenarios to nonmodelers. A small office‐sized membrane analog can be constructed for less than $25.00 and can be stored on a shelf or under a desk, for ready access.