Finite element transport modeling using analytic element flow solutions

Abstract

[1] Finite element methods for solute transport simulation typically use a discrete representation of the flow domain obtained from a finite element solution of the associated groundwater flow problem. Velocity, saturated thickness, and components of the dispersion coefficient tensor are represented as a set of nodal and/or element-averaged values. In contrast, the analytic element method (AEM) provides continuous mesh-independent solutions for these variables. In this paper, a set of techniques for using two-dimensional AEM flow solutions as the basis of finite element solute transport models is introduced. First, a general AEM-based discretization approach is presented that addresses the existence of curved boundaries, singularities, and discontinuities in vertically averaged concentration. Second, residual integration methods that handle continuous parameters with internal and boundary singularities are developed and evaluated. Third, an approach is introduced for handling internal discontinuities in concentration across certain analytic elements. This new approach uses a nonstandard mesh topology and a new formulation for internal coupled boundary conditions. The AEM-based transport simulation methods introduced in this paper are demonstrated to be robust and accurate for a variety of test problems.

Groundwater Nitrate Contamination Integrated Modeling for Climate and Water Resources Scenarios: The Case of Lake Karla Over-Exploited Aquifer

“…MT3DMS code was applied to study the spatial and temporal variability of nitrate in the groundwater regime. The spatial distribution of nitrate in groundwater is determined mainly by hydraulic characteristics of the aquifer such as hydrodynamic dispersion and advection parameters, calculating the mass flux at sources with the use of velocities from the groundwater flow model [14,18,48]. Advection and dispersion of pollutant in hydrogeological environment was predicated on some critical geological coefficients.…”

Vectorized simulation of groundwater flow and contaminant transport using analytic element method and random walk particle tracking

“…Also, they have not considered constant contaminant source for transport simulation. Craig and Rabideau () coupled AEM with FEM to simulate the solute transport. Bandilla et al () coupled AEM with streamline methods to simulate 3D reactive contaminant transport in a homogeneous aquifer for steady flow; however, they disregarded transverse dispersion.…”