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Experimental Validation and Applications of a Fluid Infiltration Model.
1Asst. Civ. Engr., Santa Clara Water District, 5750 Almaden Expwy., San Jose, CA 95118-3686. cindkao@scvwd.dst.ca.us.
Journal of Environmental Engineering (New York, N.Y.)
|April 30, 2010
Summary
A new plug flow model accurately predicts fluid infiltration and wetting front movement in various porous media. This simplified model requires fewer measurements, proving effective even in heterogeneous field conditions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Accurate prediction of fluid infiltration into porous media is crucial for hydrology and environmental management.
- Existing models often require extensive parameterization, limiting their practical application.
- Understanding wetting front dynamics is key to managing water resources and contaminant transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a simplified plug flow model for horizontal infiltration.
- To assess the model's predictive capability across different porous materials and fluid properties.
- To extend the model for predicting two-dimensional wetting front shapes and its applicability to field sites.
Main Methods:
- Performed horizontal infiltration experiments using water and silicone oil in glass beads, desert alluvium, and silica powder.
- Investigated infiltration under various conditions, including negative inlet heads and initially moist media.
- Compared experimental data with plug flow model predictions.
Main Results:
- The plug flow model showed favorable agreement with experimental data, with predictions typically within 40% of measured values.
- The model successfully predicted wetting front movement for different porous media and fluid viscosities.
- Extended model accurately predicted two-dimensional wetting front shapes from line and areal sources.
Conclusions:
- The validated plug flow model offers a simplified yet effective approach to simulating infiltration processes.
- The model's ability to predict wetting front movement is promising for applications in heterogeneous field sites using averaged parameters.
- This research contributes to improved hydrological modeling and resource management strategies.
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