A SIMPLE AND PRACTICAL WELL MODEL FOR SEEPAGE FLOW ANALYSIS EMPLOYING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Abstract

 In a regional seepage flow analysis employing the finite element method, boreholes and wells are generally approximated by nodal point sources. Such a well model often yields inaccurate results. This study proposes a new simple well model using revision functions, which are based on theoretical solutions, for enhancing solution accuracy. This present well model modifies the permeability of elements surrounding the nodal point source. Several numerical verifications were carried out to confirm the solution accuracy of the present model. The solutions of the present model show excellent agreement with the theoretical solutions, irrespective of element size.