An upstream finite element method for solution of transient transport equation in fractured porous media

Abstract

A finite element method for the solution of two‐dimensional transient dispersive‐convective transport of nonconservative solute species in fractured porous media is presented. A two‐nodal point one‐dimensional transport element for fractures is developed which provides a number of advantages relative to conventional fracture representation by two‐dimensional continuum elements. To eliminate the oscillatory behavior of convective‐dominated transport which is a more likely occurrence in fracture, a very efficient one‐dimensional upstreaming method along with a two‐dimensional method is implemented. Validity of the numerical scheme is established by comparison with existing one‐ and two‐dimensional analytic solutions. Copyright 1982 by the American Geophysical Union.