Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.cageo.2004.03.013
Title (Primary) Finite-element formulation for solving the hydrodynamic flow equation under radial flow conditions
Author Axness, C.; Carrera, J.D.; Bayer-Raich, M.
Source Titel Computers & Geosciences
Year 2004
Department HDG
Volume 30
Issue 6
Page From 663
Page To 670
Language englisch
Keywords Finite elements; Convergent flow; Divergent flow; Radial flow; Polar coordinates; Heterogeneous transmissivity; Logarithmic transformation; Code comparison; Well hydraulics
Abstract The numerical solution of the flow equation in hydrological modeling has traditionally been accomplished through the use of finite-element or finite-difference models using Cartesian coordinates. Radial flow problems, however, are more easily posed in polar or cylindrical coordinates utilizing truncated "sector"-type elements. The purpose of this work is to introduce a simple transformation of variables from ( x, y) to ( ln r,θ) to facilitate using such elements. The transformation converts truncated "sector" elements in an annular domain to rectangular elements in a connected rectangular domain where the flow equation is then solved. The transformation makes mesh generation easy and allows a fine discretization about a well. The elements allow an exact representation of the well geometry. The method computes the head exactly at discrete points for homogeneous problems. It displays a reduced truncation error in head and flux computations for heterogeneous problems with radially dominant flow, when compared to methods using conventional elements. Numerical comparisons on a suite of heterogeneous media problems illustrate these advantages with respect to conventional methods.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=3935
Axness, C., Carrera, J.D., Bayer-Raich, M. (2004):
Finite-element formulation for solving the hydrodynamic flow equation under radial flow conditions
Comput. Geosci. 30 (6), 663 - 670 10.1016/j.cageo.2004.03.013