Abstract
Existence of preferential flow paths (PFP) in heterogeneous aquifers may dramatically change the behavior of aquifers, making it critical to recognize PFP in solute transport simulation and environmental risk analysis. Conventional particle tracking method can recognize PFP but is computationally demanding and hardly applicable in real high-dimensional problems. Minimum resistance method based on graph theory, though efficient, is unable to consider flow conditions and may lead to implausible path results. In this paper we propose an easy-to-implement method based on stream function to analyze and recognize PFP in heterogeneity of multiple levels. Illustrative examples and robustness tests are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the stream function-based method compared with particle tracking and minimum resistance methods. It is found that the proposed method is able to avoid high computational demand and potential conflicts with hydrodynamic conditions thus is both efficient and reliable.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
