Feasibility Study for Development of a Transient Three-Dimensional Groundwater Flow Model Utilizing the Finite Element Method.

摘要

A transient three-dimensional groundwater flow model was developed from an already existing two-dimensional version. The finite element technique was used for the solution of the boundary value problem that governs flow in saturated-unsaturated porous media. Tetrahedral elements with linear interpolating polynomials were used in the finite element development. A feasibility study for a three-dimensional groundwater flow model was needed to determine if the model could be used to study water table fluctuations on a spray irrigation wastewater disposal site in St. Charles,Maryland. The model considers precipitation,evaporation,transpiration,and the application of spray effluent in evaluating the hydrologic response of the irrigation fields. To provide efficient and effective wastewater treatment,the model could facilitate the design,operation,and maintenance of the spray irrigation facility.