Numerical solution for one-dimensional Richards' equation using differential quadrature method

Abstract

Nonlinear nature of Richards' equation has attracted attention for providing analytical and numerical solution for this equation. In the present study, differential quadrature method (DQM) is used for presenting a numerical solution for one-dimensional Richards' equation in mixed and h-based forms, where pressure head is the dependent variable. Our results show that DQM requires less computational effort compared to finite difference technique, and can be applied for solving other similar nonlinear equations.