A Control Volume Finite Element Approach to NAPL Groundwater Contamination

Abstract

Finite difference discretizations of nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) groundwater contamination problems ensure that the discrete flux direction is always in the physical direction. This is not always the case for finite element discretizations. If linear triangular elements are used, this condition imposes a constraint on the type of triangulation allowed. Use of this type of triangulation is demonstrated for various three-phase contamination problems in two dimensions.