103,453 research outputs found
High-order numerical methods for 2D parabolic problems in single and composite domains
In this work, we discuss and compare three methods for the numerical
approximation of constant- and variable-coefficient diffusion equations in both
single and composite domains with possible discontinuity in the solution/flux
at interfaces, considering (i) the Cut Finite Element Method; (ii) the
Difference Potentials Method; and (iii) the summation-by-parts Finite
Difference Method. First we give a brief introduction for each of the three
methods. Next, we propose benchmark problems, and consider numerical tests-with
respect to accuracy and convergence-for linear parabolic problems on a single
domain, and continue with similar tests for linear parabolic problems on a
composite domain (with the interface defined either explicitly or implicitly).
Lastly, a comparative discussion of the methods and numerical results will be
given.Comment: 45 pages, 12 figures, in revision for Journal of Scientific Computin
Accurate and efficient calculation of response times for groundwater flow
We study measures of the amount of time required for transient flow in
heterogeneous porous media to effectively reach steady state, also known as the
response time. Here, we develop a new approach that extends the concept of mean
action time. Previous applications of the theory of mean action time to
estimate the response time use the first two central moments of the probability
density function associated with the transition from the initial condition, at
, to the steady state condition that arises in the long time limit, as . This previous approach leads to a computationally convenient
estimation of the response time, but the accuracy can be poor. Here, we outline
a powerful extension using the first raw moments, showing how to produce an
extremely accurate estimate by making use of asymptotic properties of the
cumulative distribution function. Results are validated using an existing
laboratory-scale data set describing flow in a homogeneous porous medium. In
addition, we demonstrate how the results also apply to flow in heterogeneous
porous media. Overall, the new method is: (i) extremely accurate; and (ii)
computationally inexpensive. In fact, the computational cost of the new method
is orders of magnitude less than the computational effort required to study the
response time by solving the transient flow equation. Furthermore, the approach
provides a rigorous mathematical connection with the heuristic argument that
the response time for flow in a homogeneous porous medium is proportional to
, where is a relevant length scale, and is the aquifer
diffusivity. Here, we extend such heuristic arguments by providing a clear
mathematical definition of the proportionality constant.Comment: 22 pages, 3 figures, accepted version of paper published in Journal
of Hydrolog
- …