Analytical Groundwater Mechanics

Focusing on applications and real-world problems, this advanced textbook explains the fundamentals of groundwater flow for students and professionals.

Textbook for undergraduate and graduate level students. Assumes knowledge of elementary algebra and some insight into the geology relevant to groundwater flow problems. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This book provides a detailed description of how Python can be used to give insight into the flow of groundwater based on analytic solutions. Starting with simple problems to illustrate the basic principles, complexity is added step by step to show how one-dimensional and two-dimensional models of one or two aquifers can be implemented. Steady and transient flow problems are discussed in confined, semi-confined, and unconfined aquifers that may include wells, rivers, and areal recharge. Special consideration is given to coastal aquifers, including the effect of tides and the simulation of interface flow. Application of Python allows for compact and readable code, and quick visualization of the solutions. Python scripts are provided to reproduce all results. The scripts are also available online so that they can be altered to meet site-specific conditions. This book is intended both as training material for the next generation of university students and as a useful resource for practitioners. A primer is included for those who are new to Python or as a refresher for existing users.

Provides a Balance between the Mathematical and Physical Aspects and the Engineering ApplicationsWritten for engineering and science students, Mechanics of Groundwater in Porous Media explains groundwater from both a mathematical and qualitative standpoint. The book builds up the theory of groundwater flow starting from basic physics and geometric

The 2006 second edition of this well received and widely adopted textbook has been extensively revised to provide a more comprehensive treatment of hydromechanics (the coupling of groundwater flow and deformation), to incorporate findings from the substantial body of research published since the first edition, and to include three new chapters on compaction and diagenesis, metamorphism, and subsea hydrogeology. The opening section develops basic theory of groundwater motion, fluid-solid mechanical interaction, solute transport, and heat transport. The second section applies flow, hydromechanics, and transport theory in a generalized geologic context, and focuses on particular geologic processes and environments. A systematic presentation of theory and application coupled with problem sets to conclude each chapter make this text ideal for use by advanced undergraduate and graduate-level hydrogeologists and geologists. It also serves as an invaluable reference for professionals in the field.

Provides a Balance between the Mathematical and Physical Aspects and the Engineering Applications Written for engineering and science students, Mechanics of Groundwater in Porous Media explains groundwater from both a mathematical and qualitative standpoint. The book builds up the theory of groundwater flow starting from basic physics and geometric intuition, and on to applied practice through real-world engineering problems. It includes graphical illustrations as well as solved illustrative problems throughout the text. Considers the Steady-State Motion of Groundwater The book starts off by introducing the overall picture of groundwater, its relationship with the hydrological cycle, and other terminology used in the mechanics of groundwater flow though porous means. It presents a synopsis of basic definitions, concepts, and the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics and soil mechanics, which are necessary prerequisites for an adequate understanding of the book’s core material. The engineering applications are deducted from geometric and physical reasoning, with a minimum use of mathematical abstraction. Mechanics of Groundwater in Porous Media is written primarily to serve as a textbook for senior undergraduate and upper-level graduate students in civil and environmental engineering, environmental science, hydrogeology, and geology, as well as a resource for practicing engineers.

This textbook presents the application of mathematical methods and theorems tosolve engineering problems, rather than focusing on mathematical proofs. Applications of Vector Analysis and Complex Variables in Engineering explains the mathematical principles in a manner suitable for engineering students, who generally think quite differently than students of mathematics. The objective is to emphasize mathematical methods and applications, rather than emphasizing general theorems and principles, for which the reader is referred to the literature. Vector analysis plays an important role in engineering, and is presented in terms of indicial notation, making use of the Einstein summation convention. This text differs from most texts in that symbolic vector notation is completely avoided, as suggested in the textbooks on tensor algebra and analysis written in German by Duschek and Hochreiner, in the 1960s. The defining properties of vector fields, the divergence and curl, are introduced in terms of fluid mechanics. The integral theorems of Gauss (the divergence theorem), Stokes, and Green are introduced also in the context of fluid mechanics. The final application of vector analysis consists of the introduction of non-Cartesian coordinate systems with straight axes, the formal definition of vectors and tensors. The stress and strain tensors are defined as an application. Partial differential equations of the first and second order are discussed. Two-dimensional linear partial differential equations of the second order are covered, emphasizing the three types of equation: hyperbolic, parabolic, and elliptic. The hyperbolic partial differential equations have two real characteristic directions, and writing the equations along these directions simplifies the solution process. The parabolic partial differential equations have two coinciding characteristics; this gives useful information regarding the character of the equation, but does not help in solving problems. The elliptic partial differential equations do not have real characteristics. In contrast to most texts, rather than abandoning the idea of using characteristics, here the complex characteristics are determined, and the differential equations are written along these characteristics. This leads to a generalized complex variable system, introduced by Wirtinger. The vector field is written in terms of a complex velocity, and the divergence and the curl of the vector field is written in complex form, reducing both equations to a single one. Complex variable methods are applied to elliptical problems in fluid mechanics, and linear elasticity. The techniques presented for solving parabolic problems are the Laplace transform and separation of variables, illustrated for problems of heat flow and soil mechanics. Hyperbolic problems of vibrating strings and bars, governed by the wave equation are solved by the method of characteristics as well as by Laplace transform. The method of characteristics for quasi-linear hyperbolic partial differential equations is illustrated for the case of a failing granular material, such as sand, underneath a strip footing. The Navier Stokes equations are derived and discussed in the final chapter as an illustration of a highly non-linear set of partial differential equations and the solutions are interpreted by illustrating the role of rotation (curl) in energy transfer of a fluid.