A block iterative finite element model for non-linear leaky aquifer systems
G. Gambolati, P. Teatini
Dept. Mathematical Methods and Models for Scientific
Applications, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
ABSTRACT
A new quasi 3-D finite element model of groundwater flow is developed
for highly compressible multi-aquifer systems where aquitard
permeability and elastic storage are dependent on hydraulic drawdown.
The model is solved by a block iterative strategy which
is naturally suggested by the geological structure of the porous
medium and can be shown to be mathematically equivalent to a block
Gauss-Seidel procedure. As such it can be generalized into a block
over-relaxation procedure and greatly accelerated by the use of the
optimum over-relaxation factor. Results for both linear and non-linear
multi-aquifer systems emphasize the excellent computational performance
of the model and indicate that convergence in leaky systems
can be improved up to as much as one order of magnitude.
