| Abstract: | In this paper, a time-dependent infinite element which can be used to simulate transient seepage problems in infinite media is presented. The hydraulic head distribution function of the element has been derived in detail and the property matrices of the element have been well formulated. Since both space and time variables are used in the course of constructing the hydraulic head distribution function of the element, the present infinite element can be referred to as a transient one. Using the present infinite element to model the far field of a system, the mechanism of transient seepage problems in infinite media can be rigorously simulated because the property matrices of the element are evaluated at any time of interest in the analysis. Since explicit expressions can be written for the property matrices of the infinite element, they may be evaluated quite easily and this can be carried out by writing a simple subroutine in a computer program. In order to examine the accuracy and efficiency of the present infinite element, both a one-dimensional (ID) transient seepage problem in a semi-infinite medium and a 2D transient seepage problem in a full plane have been solved using the finite and infinite element technique. It has been demonstrated that the present infinite element is very useful for the numerical simulation of transient seepage problems in infinite media. |
