Semianalytical computation of path lines for finite-difference models
A semianalytical particle tracking method was developed for use with velocities generated from block centered finite-difference ground-water flow models. The method is based on the assumption that each directional velocity component varies linearly within a grid cell in its own coordinate directions. This assumption allows an analytical expression to be obtained describing the flow path within an individual grid cell. Given the initial position of a particle anywhere in a cell, the coordinates of any other point along its path line within the cell, and the time of travel between them, can be computed directly. For steady-state systems, the exit point for a particle entering a cell at any arbitrary location can be computed in a single step. By following the particle as it moves from cell to cell, this method can be used to trace the path of a particle through any multidimensional flow field generated from a block-centered finite-difference flow model.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1988 |
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Title | Semianalytical computation of path lines for finite-difference models |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1745-6584.1988.tb00425.x |
Authors | D.W. Pollock |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Ground Water |
Index ID | 70013303 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |