Theory and Application of Transient Infinite Elements for Simulating Contaminant Transport Problems in Fractured Porous Media of Infinite Domains

Numerical simulation of contaminant transport in fractured porous media of infinite domains is a complex problem in various aspects. The solution for this kind of problem becomes more difficult once practical considerations, such as the infinite extension of the problem domain, the leakage effect between the porous medium and the fissured network, the characterization of the fissured network and other physical and chemical parameters, are appropriately included in the analysis (Rowe and Booker 1989, 1990a, 1991). On the other hand, the practical problems involving contaminant transport in fractured porous media have received rapidly increasing attention as a result of the treatment of industrial and agricultural wastes, the evaluation of potential contamination from nuclear power plants and the disposal activities of wastes from our daily lives.