Three-dimensional modeling of mass transfer in porous media using the mixed hybrid finite elements and the random-walk methods

H. Hoteit*, R. Mose, A. Younes, F. Lehmann, Ph Ackerer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations

Abstract

A three-dimensional (3D) mass transport numerical model is presented. The code is based on a particle tracking technique: the random-walk method, which is based on the analogy between the advection-dispersion equation and the Fokker-Planck equation. The velocity field is calculated by the mixed hybrid finite element formulation of the flow equation. A new efficient method is developed to handle the dissimilarity between Fokker-Planck equation and advection-dispersion equation to avoid accumulation of particles in low dispersive regions. A comparison made on a layered aquifer example, between this method and other algorithms commonly used, shows the efficiency of the new method. The code is validated by a simulation of a 3D tracer transport experiment performed on a laboratory model. It represents a heterogeneous aquifer of about 6-m length, 1-m width, and 1-m depth. The porous medium is made of three, different sorts of sand. Sodium chloride, is used as a tracer. Comparisons between simulated and measured values, with and without the presented method, also proves the accuracy of the new algorithm.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)435-456
Number of pages22
JournalMathematical Geology
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Advection-dispersion equation
  • Laboratory model
  • Mass transport modeling
  • Random-walk method

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mathematics (miscellaneous)
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Three-dimensional modeling of mass transfer in porous media using the mixed hybrid finite elements and the random-walk methods'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this