Boundary element method using B-splines with applications to groundwater flow
The Boundary Element Method (BEM) is now established as a suitable and efficient technique for the analysis of engineering problems. However, as in other discretization procedures, inaccuracies can be introduced as a result of the lack of derivative continuity between adjacent elements. A new element formulation has been developed for BEM analysis using uniform cubic B-splines. These functions can be employed to provide higher degrees of continuity along the geometric boundary of the region, and also as interpolation functions for the problem variables. The formulation was then extended to include multiple knots and non-uniform blending functions. In this way, it is possible to lower the degree of continuity of the main variable at points of geometric discontinuity. Initially, applications are presented related to potential problems governed by Laplace's equation but there are no restrictions in the formulation regarding its extension to other physical problems. Continuity of the derivatives of the main variable is important to obtain a good representation of moving boundaries with iterative or time-marching schemes. This formulation is applied to stead-state and transient unconfined flow in homogeneous and inhomogeneous porous media. Finally, the formulation is applied to saltwater intrusion problems in confined, leaky and unconfined aquifers.
- Research Organization:
- Council for National Academic Awards, London (United Kingdom)
- OSTI ID:
- 5601200
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
540210* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Basic Studies-- (1990-)
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990200 -- Mathematics & Computers
AQUIFERS
BOUNDARY ELEMENT METHOD
CALCULATION METHODS
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FLUID FLOW
FUNCTIONS
GROUND WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SPLINE FUNCTIONS
WATER