Finite element modeling of flow through porous media

Findings of an investigation into the application of the finite element method to ascertain ground water flow problems are presented. Reproductions of five articles from the published literature originating from the study and an appendix containing a computer subroutine package for solving the conventive-dispersion material balance equation using quadratic isoparametric finite elements are included. The published articles deal with the development of the basic theory for the finite element method as applied to ground water flow as well as basic schemes for application of the method. The results of the development are applied to the problem of sea water encroachment in coastal aquifiers, brine movement through causeways, and dispersion of pollutants in ground water flows.