An axi-symmetric infinite element for transient radial flow problems

The formulation of an axi-symmetric infinite element for transient analysis of flow problems in unbounded domain is presented. The theoretical basis as well as the implementation of the element is discussed, and the element decay function is derived using the analytical solution of a one-dimensional axially symmetric configuration. The form of decay within the element is described as a function of both time and space, and thus the hydraulic head distribution in the far field is simulated rigorously. The accuracy and the efficiency of the proposed element are demonstrated through several numerical examples in infinite media. In general, it is shown that using the present infinite element transient flow problems in unbounded domains can be simulated effectively. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.