A finite element formulation for confined aquifer flow, which takes into account elevation changes of the aquifer is presented. The middle surface of the aquifer is assumed not as a horizontal plane but as a curved surface. The theory of isoparametric finite elements is applied to develop a general isoparametric surface element for the problem. The presented technique can, with little additional programming effort, be incorporated into any standard finite element computer program for solving the two-dimensional quasi-harmonic differential equation (i.e. equation governing heat conduction, electric potential, seepage through porous media etc.) A computer program using a four node quadrilateral surface element has been developed. Some results of two examples analyzed using this program are finally established.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Research Article|
June 01 1978
A Finite Element Aquifer Model which takes into Account Elevation Changes of the Aquifer
Hydrology Research (1978) 9 (3-4): 173–186.
Article history
Received:
March 03 1978
Citation
Jukka Aalto; A Finite Element Aquifer Model which takes into Account Elevation Changes of the Aquifer. Hydrology Research 1 June 1978; 9 (3-4): 173–186. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/nh.1978.0019
Download citation file: