On the solution of transient free-surface flow problems in porous media by the finite element method

A numerical procedure is presented to deal with solution of transient free-surface flows in porous media. The governing boundary-value problem for the piezometric potential is solved by the finite element method. The initial-value problem which describes the transient motion of the free-surface is solved by the method of quasi-linearization. The numerical scheme has been applied to isotropic and anisotropic earth dam problem and also to a ditch drainage problem. Excellent agreements have been reached when compared with known solutions. This computational procedure is shown to be stable and suitable for this class of problems with the aid of a digital computer.