Automatic Generation Of Finite Element Network for Bidimensional and Quasi-Three-Dimensional Equations Governing the Groundwater Flow

Abstract

The FE network generation method is based on the use of digitalized thematic maps and is particularly adapted for groundwater modelling. The generated network follows properly both the area contour and the internal lines such as rivers, faults and geological boundaries, even in very complex configurations.The mesh areas can vary within a large range, in different zones of the grid. The meshes are always sufficiently regularly-shaped to avoid numerical criticity during the solution of the finite element equations. Transition zones between areas of different density, with connection elements of a gradually varying area, are automatically generated. The attribution of the different physical parameters to the elements and nodes of the grid is done automatically by means of digitalized thematic maps. A practical application of this methodology is shown by Pizzi G. and Sartori L. (1982) with the model of the western Libya regional aquifer system.