Author(s): R. Paulus; P. Archambeau; S. Erpicum; B. J. Dewals; M. Pirotton
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Keywords: Richards equation; Finite Volume Method; Hypodermic transfer
Abstract: The physics of groundwater flows in both unsaturated and saturated media is commonly modelled with the Richards equation. In Hydrology, a 3D solution could be required in order to give detailed information not only about the vertical infiltration, but also concerning horizontal fluxes (like e.g. the hypodermic discharge). Although the complete resolution of this equation is mastered, a full 3D model is too costly for large scale-in time and space-real applications (climate change adaptation of watersheds). Therefore the authors propose a 1D vertical finite volume model of the Richards equation, with suitable interactions enabling the management of the horizontal fluxes and the subsequent handling of the 3D behaviour of the unsaturated layer. The model is first validated for its vertical behaviour, and then tested on different 2D test cases in order to visualise the reliability of the proposed method.
Year: 2011