5 ECTS credits
125 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4004855FNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
1) Introduction to groundwater modelling mathematics, basic parameters and variables, continuity equation, momentum equation, flow equations for different conditions, boundary conditions, approximate groundwater flow equations;
2) Finite difference techniques for groundwater modelling: steady and transient flow, numerical approximation of boundary conditions, matrix inversion techniques and iterative solvers, linear and non-linear problems, stability and convergence criteria;
3) Finite element techniques for groundwater modelling: basic principles and element types, triangular finite elements for 2D steady flow, numerical approximation of boundary conditions, matrix inversion techniques and iterative solvers, hexahedral finite element technique for 3D transient flow, iso-parametric elements, approximation of time derivatives, numerical solution procedures;
4) Numerical techniques for simulation of transport of chemicals in groundwater: mathematical expressions for transport, adsorption and reactions; numerical approximations, boundary conditions, stability and convergence criteria, upwind technique, dispersion correction, Lagrange technique;
5) Overview of numerical models: MODFLOW, MODPATH, MT3D, user interfaces;
6) Practical guidelines for groundwater modelling: general requirements, model setup, model calibration, sensitivity analyses and validation;
7) Hands-on computer introduction to the MODFLOW model: grid design, input of aquifer characteristics and boundary conditions, choice of solvers and stopping criteria, output facilities and graphical representation of results;
8) Hands-on computer introduction to MT3D: input of pollutant transport parameters and boundary conditions, choice of solvers and stopping criteria, output facilities and graphical representation of results, modelling of techniques for pollution containment and remediation
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In this course, students learn how to use professional software for simulation and prediction of groundwater flow and pollutant transport, so that they are able to analyse and solve groundwater problems that they will encounter in their professional career. The students should also understand the differential equations and numerical methods behind groundwater models and link this to the practical application of groundwater models.
In addition, the students should be able to
- transform the field data into model inputs
- estimate or approximate missing data
- select appropriate modelling tools
- set up a numerical model
- select appropriate boundary conditions
- solve problems numerically
- analyse convergence and stability criteria
- interpret modelling results in a correct way
- and present results by means of a professional report and oral presentation.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
1st session : the student has to work out a practical study case example; the final mark is obtained as 3/5 of the grading on the written report and 2/5 of the grading on the oral exam.
2nd session : the same.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Civil Engineering: Standaard traject (BRUFACE)