Analytical solution for the evolution of exit point along the sloping seepage face

Abstract

This paper developed an analytical solution for the problem of exit point evolution on the seepage face in the unconfined aquifer with sloping interface. A theoretical model for the groundwater drawdown problem in a half‐infinite aquifer with a sloping boundary is built in accordance with the linearized one‐dimensional Boussinesq equation and the Neumann boundary condition at the seepage point. The homotopy analysis method is then adopted for solving this dynamic boundary problem. By constructing two continuous deformations, the original problem could be converted into a group of subproblems with the same physical essence and similar mathematical solutions. To compare this analytical solution, a numerical model based on the finite volume method is developed, which employs adaptive grids to settle the dynamic boundary condition. The comparisons show that the analytical solution agrees with the numerical model well. The results are useful for the quantification of various hydrological problems. The methodology applied in this study is referential for other dynamic boundary problems as well.