Need help solving PDE, numerically which contains some transformations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a numerical solution to a partial differential equation (PDE) related to unsaturated horizontal water flow in a two-layer soil system. Participants explore the implications of applying linear transformations to the PDE and the subsequent effects on the solutions obtained.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original PDE is given as ∂M/∂t = ∂/∂x (K ∂h/∂x), with variables defined for moisture, hydraulic conductivity, hydraulic head, and their dependencies on space and time.
  • The participant describes a transformation approach to simplify the problem, using linear transformations for moisture, hydraulic conductivity, hydraulic head, and spatial variables.
  • The participant questions whether it is valid to transform the solutions back using the inverse of the transformations applied, given that the results differ from solving the original PDE directly.
  • One participant references a textbook, "Groundwater" by Freeze and Cherry, suggesting it may contain relevant information.
  • Another participant seeks to focus on the differential equations aspect of the problem, indicating a desire to analyze the transformation question more deeply.
  • A participant clarifies the meaning of "unsaturated" flow, asking if it refers to the presence of an interface between water and air in the soil layers, indicating a potential area for further exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the validity of the transformation approach or the implications of transforming solutions back. Multiple viewpoints are presented regarding the interpretation of the problem and the mathematical treatment of the PDE.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of the transformations and their effects on the solutions, which remain unresolved. The specific conditions under which the transformations are applied and their mathematical implications are not fully explored.

re444
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Hi, hope this is a right place to ask this question. I work in the soil physics field and this problem has taken lots of my energy for a while! let's state it:

Unsaturated horizontal water flow in 2 layer soil:

we have, M(for Moisture), K (for hydraulic conductivity), h (for hydraulic head), x , t (for time).

M(x,t,h) , K(x,t,h) , h(x,t).

PDE is of the form: ∂M/∂t = ∂/∂x (K ∂h/∂x ) .

on the domain (x=[0,xL] ) is divided into 2 layers (x1 & x2) each with its own M and K (2 soil type).
So I have M1, K1 for first layer and M2 & K2 for the second. Instead of solving these two PDE, by applying some linear transformations of the kind:

M*= k1.M ; K*= k2.K ; h*= k3.h ; x1*=k4.x1 ; x2*= k5.x2 ; t*= t .

I'm solving one unique PDE* in the domain (x1* \cup x2*) with transformed boundary(at the upper of 1st layer and lower of 2nd layer) and initial conditions. Now here is my problem: when I get PDE* solutions and then transforms theme back, I get answers different from when not applying this whole transformation procedure.

I guess the question is: when I do a series of [linear] transformations to a PDE is it true to transform the solution back using the inverse of that transformations?

tried my best to express the problem,
thanks
 
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See Freeze and Cherry, "Groundwater."
 
Chestermiller said:
See Freeze and Cherry, "Groundwater."

I want to look at it from Differential Equations point of view. Just consider the last question at the bottom of 1st post.
 
Let me see if I understand correctly. When you say that the flow is unsaturated, you mean that, within your two soil layers, there is an interface between the water below and the air above, and that this interface is moving as a function of time. Correct?

Chet
 
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