Texas2D - Generalization and Application of the Exact Analytic Solution of the 2D Vertical Groundwater Flow Problem
Unconfined groundwater flow is described by a nonlinear free boundary value problem with the Laplace/Poisson differential equation, as long as the aquifer is homogeneous and isotropic. The most common modelling approach for this problem is based upon the Dupuit assumption of essentially horizontal flow or linearisation. However, this approach gives an insufficient description of groundwater flow phenomena with steep hydraulic gradients, as they occur in e.g. for drainage problems or groundwater-surfacewater interaction. Our research project (masterminded by Schmitz and Edenhofer ([1, 2]) extends the exact analytic solution of the groundwater flow problem in a 2D vertical plane.
The derived solutions and extensions are implemented in the software tool TEXAS2D. On the one hand, it allows for a rigorous simulation of unconfined groundwater flow with steep gradients due to superficial recharge / drainage and inner sources /sinks. On the other hand, TEXAS2D includes the solution of the inverse groundwater flow problem for determining the recharge rate as a consequence of a given groundwater table (Weber, [3]). Due to the analytic character of the implemented solution, it may serve as a validation tool for simplifying assumptions. Moreover TEXAS2D simulations can assist in choosing the optimal discretization parameters of numerical models.
Duration: Aug. 2002 - Dez. 2006
sponsored by: DFG