A global interpolation function based boundary element method for deterministic, non-homogeneous, and stochastic flows in porous media

Abstract

A family of global interpolation functions (GIF) is used to represent distributed effects, such as material heterogeneity, recharge, and leakage, in a boundary element simulation of non-homogeneous flows through porous media. The technique is applicable to both deterministic and stochastic flow problems. The family of functions includes polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, and wavelet bases. When the distributed influence (e.g. leakage from adjoining formations) is also a part of the problem being solved, the solution process is iterative. In other cases (e.g. accretion due to rainfall-evaporation) the solution is non-iterative. A number of problems are solved using the new approach, and the results are compared with analytical and semi-analytical solutions.