Development of a fast code for the calculation of density driven flows in groundwater

Density driven flow in groundwater is a phenomenon, which is of interest in the vicinity of salt domes in the context of nuclear waste repositories in salt. A code was developed which is based on finite volumes, unstructured grids, multi-grid solver, error estimator and adaptive grid refinement. The main task of the IHW group was the benchmarking and checking of the code and the development of parts of the code such as the random generator for the creation of multiple realizations of a spatial process (in this case permeability). The benchmarking went new ways by looking into exact solutions and physical benchmarks. In a 3D lab experiment density flow was visualized and measured using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and a paramagnetic tracer (Cu2+) mixed into the salt solution. This experimental benchmark has been widely accepted by the density flow community. It has been used as a test for the code d3f. Problems with density abound. Wth the new cope a very competitive tool is in our hands.

Main publications

Johannsen, K., Kinzelbach, W., Oswald, S. and Wittum G. (2002) The saltpool benchmark problem: numerical simulation of saltwater upconing in a porous medium. Adv. in Wat. Resources, 25, p. 335-348

Oswald, S. E. and Kinzelbach W. (2004) Three-dimensional physical benchmark experiments to test variable-density flow models. Journal of Hydrology, 290(1-2): 22-42.

Contacts

W. Kinzelbach

Agency/Funding

German Ministry of Research and Development via German Society for Reactor Safety/360 kCHF

Partners

IWR University of Heidelberg
University of Bonn
University of Freiburg

Status

Finished in 2003

See other past research projects