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The Windows version of MicroFEM is a new program, based on the DOS package
Micro-Fem. It takes you through the whole process of ground-water modeling, from
the generation of a finite-element grid through the stages of preprocessing,
calculation, postprocessing, graphical interpretation and plotting. Confined,
semi-confined, phreatic, stratified and leaky multi-aquifer systems can be
simulated with a maximum of 20 aquifers. Irregular grids, as typically used by
finite-element programs, have several advantages compared to the more or less
regular grids used by finite-difference codes. A model with a well-designed
irregular grid will show more accurate results with fewer nodes, so less
computer memory is required while calculations are faster. MicroFEM offers
extensive possibilities as to the ease of creating such irregular grids. Two
grid generators are included; one is designed for irregular geometries as often
encountered in regional studies, while the other is useful for engineering
applications that often require high contrasts in node spacing, e.g. sheet
piling and excavations. Adding and erasing nodes, connection swapping and
further modifications to the grid can be done interactively.
Other MicroFEM features include the ease of data preparation and the
presentation and analysis of modeling results. A flexible way of zone-selection
and formula-assignment is used for all parameters: transmissivities, aquitard
resistances, well discharges and boundary conditions for each layer.
Depending on the type of model this can be extended with layer thicknesses,
storativities, spatially varying anisotropy, topsystem and user-defined
parameters. To inspect and interpret model results, maps and profiles can be
used to visualize contours, heads, 3D-flowlines, flow vectors, etc.
Time-drawdown curves and water balances can be selected with just a few
keystrokes or mouse clicks.
The WIN-version of MicroFEM differs from the DOS version in many respects.
However, several strong features of the DOS programs could be transferred to the
WIN version, e.g. the characteristic way of handling user-defined parts of a
model by marked nodes and labels. A
free
lite-version of MicroFEM is available for downloading. |
MicroFEM
modeling features
- Saturated single-density flow
- Multiple-aquifer systems and stratified aquifers
- Confined, leaky and unconfined conditions
- Heterogeneous aquifers and aquitards
- Steady-state and transient flow
- Spatially varying anisotropic aquifers
- Spatially and temporally varying wells and boundary conditions
- Precipitation, evaporation, drain, river and wadi top systems
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Program
features and capabilities
- Mesh generators for regional flow models and for civil engineering
models
- Interactive mesh design and adjustment
- Graphical user interface and data base
- Interactive assignment of spatially varying properties
- Up to 20 aquifers or sublayers
- Up to 50,000 nodes per layer, or even more
- User-assigned names for all nodes
- Flow vectors and flowlines, 3-D particle tracking
- Water balances for each aquifer, subarea and time step
- Transient flow modeling in batch mode
- Optimization tool for steady state models
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Input &
Output
- Model files in ASCII format
- DXF maps and flowline files import
- Screen resolution output to printer
- Plots of grids, contours, flowlines and time series
- SURFER, Excel, Arc-Info and ArcView compatible data files
- Copy & Paste water budget tables
- HPGL and DXF files export
- 3D model viewer
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WIN System
requirements
- Windows 95/98/ME/XP/2000
or NT
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