1,720,992 research outputs found
Average steady flow toward a drain through a randomly heterogeneous porous formation
We consider the problem of steady pumping of water from a line drain on the surface of a wet ground. Unlike the classical formulation, which regards the conductivity parameter K as uniformly distributed in the domain, the problem here is solved within a stochastic framework in order to account for the irregular (random), and more realistic, spatial vari- ability of K. Due to the linearity of the problem at stake, we focus on the derivation of the mean Green function G. This is computed by means of an asymptotic expansion.
The fundamental result is an analytical (closed form) expression of G which general- izes the classical solution. Based on this, we develop an equivalent conductivity Keq which enables one to tackle the problem similarly to the classical one. In particular, it is shown that the equivalent conductivity grows monotonically with the radial distance r from the drain, and it lies within the range Keq (0) ≤ Keq (r) ≤ Keq (∞) < ∞
Unraveling the complexities of a highly heterogeneous aquifer under convergent radial flow conditions
Untangling flow and mass transport in aquifers is essential for effective water management and protection. However, understanding the mechanisms underlying such phenomena is challenging, particularly in highly heterogeneous natural aquifers. Past research has been limited by the lack of dense data series and experimental models that provide precise knowledge of such aquifer characteristics. To bridge this gap and advance our current understanding, we present the findings of a pioneering experimental investigation that characterizes a unique, strongly heterogeneous, laboratory-constructed phreatic aquifer at an intermediate scale under radial flow conditions. This strong heterogeneity was achieved by randomly distributing 2527 cells across 7 layers, each filled with one of 12 different soil mixtures, with their textural characteristics, porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity measured in the laboratory. We placed 37 fully penetrating piezometers radially at varying distances from the central pumping well, allowing for an extensive pumping test campaign to obtain saturated hydraulic conductivity values for each piezometer location and scaling laws along eight directions. Results reveal that the aquifer’s strong heterogeneity led to significant vertical and directional anisotropy in saturated hydraulic conductivity. Furthermore, we experimentally demonstrated for the first time that the porous medium tends toward homogeneity when transitioning from the scale of heterogeneity to the scale of investigation. These novel findings, obtained on a uniquely highly heterogeneous aquifer, contribute to the field and provide valuable insights for researchers studying flow and mass transport phenomena. The comprehensive dataset obtained will serve as a foundation for future research and as a tool to validate findings from previous studies on strongly heterogeneous aquifers
Confronto tra valori di K e di S ottenuti da Slug Test e Pumping Test in un acquifero confinato riprodotto in laboratorio.
Scaling analysis of the water retention curves in unsaturated soil. Case study of Turbolo experimental basin.
Sul comportamento scalare della conducibilità idraulica in un intervallo di variabilità globale. Il caso dell’acquifero confinato del campo prove di Montalto Uffugo (Italia)
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