THE USE OF VARIATIONAL METHODS AND OF ERROR DISTRIBUTION PRINCIPLES IN GROUNDWATER HYDRAULICS

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Abstract
The aim of the present paper is to present some mathematical techniques for the solution of problems connected with three-dimensional steady-state groundwater flow with a free surface. The validity of Darcy's law is assumed. As no use is made of the Dupuit-Forschheimer approximation, the shape of the free surface and the velocity potential must be determined simultaneously from a non-linear boundary value problem. In order to demonstrate the use of a variational method and of error distribution principles for the solution of those problems by an example as simple as possible, we investigate the gravity flow of incompressible, homogeneous groundwater towards a circular well completely penetrating an isotropic, homogeneous, inelastic aquifer resting on a horizontal, impermeable substratum.