Premium
A Numerical Solution of the Differential Equation of Flow for a Vertical Drainage Problem
Author(s) -
Day Paul R.,
Luthin James N.
Publication year - 1956
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1956.03615995002000040001x
Subject(s) - water content , richards equation , drainage , capillary action , hydraulic conductivity , soil science , differential equation , geotechnical engineering , flow (mathematics) , moisture , soil water , water flow , conductivity , environmental science , geology , mechanics , mathematics , materials science , chemistry , mathematical analysis , physics , composite material , biology , ecology
The drainage rate of a uniform soil overlying a continuous gravel substratum is difficult to predict because of the fact that the soil moisture tension and the capillary conductivity of the soil vary with the water content. Richards' differential equation of flow furnishes a theoretical basis for analysis. The equation can be solved numerically by finite differences when the capillary conductivity and the water content have been determined at various values of the soil moisture tension. An illustration and experimental test of the method are given for the drainage of a column of fine sand.