Development of Numerical Grids for UZ Flow and Transport Modeling

Technical Report · Tue Dec 18 04:00:00 EST 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/837045· OSTI ID:837045

Hinds, J

This Analysis/Model Report (AMR) describes the methods used to develop numerical grids of the unsaturated hydrogeologic system beneath Yucca Mountain. Numerical grid generation is an integral part of the development of a complex, three-dimensional (3-D) model, such as the Unsaturated-Zone Flow and Transport Model (UZ Model) of Yucca Mountain. The resulting numerical grids, developed using current geologic, hydrogeologic, and mineralogic data, provide the necessary framework to: (1) develop calibrated hydrogeologic property sets and flow fields, (2) test conceptual hypotheses of flow and transport, and (3) predict flow and transport behavior under a variety of climatic and thermal loading conditions. Revision 00 of the work described herein follows the planning and work direction outlined in the ''Development of Numerical Grids for UZ Flow and Transport Modeling'' (CRWMS M&O 1999c). The technical scope, content, and management of ICN 01 of this AMR is currently controlled by the planning document, ''Technical Work Plan for Unsaturated Zone (UZ) Flow and Transport Process Model Report'' (BSC 2001a). The scope for the TBV resolution actions in this ICN is described in the ''Technical Work Plan for: Integrated Management of Technical Product Input Department'' (BSC 2001 b, Addendum B, Section 4.1). The steps involved in numerical grid development include: (1) defining the location of important calibration features, (2) determining model grid layers and fault geometry based on the Geologic Framework Model (GFM), the Integrated Site Model (ISM), and definition of hydrogeologic units (HGUs), (3) analyzing and extracting GFM and ISM data pertaining to layer contacts and property distributions, (4) discretizing and refining the two-dimensional (2-D), plan-view numerical grid, (5) generating the 3-D grid with finer resolution at the repository horizon and within the Calico Hills nonwelded (CHn) hydrogeologic unit, and (6) formulating the dual-permeability mesh. The products of grid development include a set of one-dimensional (1-D) vertical columns of gridblocks for hydrogeologic property set inversions, a 2-D UZ Model vertical cross-sectional grid for fault hydrogeologic property calibrations, a 3-D UZ Model grid for additional model calibrations, and a 3-D UZ Model grid for generating flow fields for Performance Assessment (PA).

• Research Organization: Yucca Mountain Project, Las Vegas, Nevada (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Energy (US)
• OSTI ID: 837045
• Report Number(s): ANL-NBS-HS-000015, REV 00, ICN 01; MOL.20020211.0002, DC 28963
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
CALIBRATION
GEOMETRY
MANAGEMENT
PERFORMANCE
PLANNING
REFINING
RESOLUTION
SIMULATION
TRANSPORT
YUCCA MOUNTAIN