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Massively parallel computing simulation of fluid flow in the unsaturated zone of Yucca Mountain, Nevada

Journal Article · · Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
OSTI ID:840316

This paper presents the application of parallel computing techniques to large-scale modeling of fluid flow in the unsaturated zone (UZ) at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. In this study, parallel computing techniques, as implemented into the TOUGH2 code, are applied in large-scale numerical simulations on a distributed-memory parallel computer. The modeling study has been conducted using an over-one-million-cell three-dimensional numerical model, which incorporates a wide variety of field data for the highly heterogeneous fractured formation at Yucca Mountain. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of various surface infiltration scenarios (under current and possible future climates) on flow through the UZ system, using various hydrogeological conceptual models with refined grids. The results indicate that the one-million-cell models produce better resolution results and reveal some flow patterns that cannot be obtained using coarse-grid modeling models.

Research Organization:
Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
840316
Report Number(s):
LBNL--48883
Journal Information:
Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, Journal Name: Journal of Contaminant Hydrology Journal Issue: SI Vol. 62-3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English