FLONET/TRANS is a program consisting of two models: FLONET and FLOTRANS. FLONET is a 2-D steady-state, cross-sectional, ground-water flow model. It computes potentials, streamlines and ground-water velocities in a vertical section through a confined or unconfined aquifer. The model is based on the dual formulation of potentials and stream functions developed by Dr. E. Frind of the University of Waterloo and uses the finite element method with triangular elements to solve the governing equations. The resulting matrix equations are solved using Cholesky decomposition. The model can simulate heterogeneous and anisotropic porous media with complex boundary geometry and fixed head and given flux boundary conditions. The model allows the user to specify the angle between the principle directions of conductivity and the coordinate axes if they do not coincide. and can vary from element to element Spatially variable recharge rates can be taken into account. For unconfined aquifers the model seeks the water table iteratively, deforming the top layers of the grid vertically to account for differences between computed heads and water-table elevation. A mass balance error for both head and streamfunction provides information regarding solution accuracy.

FLOTRANS is an extension of FLONET. It adds a transient advective-dispersive solute transport capability. It computes heads, velocities and contaminant concentrations in a vertical section through a confined or unconfined aquifer. The model can simulate flow and solute transport in heterogeneous and anisotropic porous media under complex boundary conditions. As with FLONET, spatially variable recharge rates can be taken into account; for unconfined aquifers the model seeks the water table iteratively and the grid is deformed automatically. Biodegradation and chemical transformation processes can be represented by a first-order decay function. Different decay rates can be applied to the source and to the contaminant within the aquifer. Adsorption can be represented through linear retardation. Spatially variable initial concentrations and internal contaminant sources can be considered.

FLONET/TRANS is a self contained package where all data input and output is done via an interactive graphical user interface. This interface facilitates the display of the grid, head and concentration contours, hydrographs, flow lines, velocity vectors and brakthrough curves. The user friendly interface makes the design and modification of highly complex models very easy. The program features interfaces with many other models and graphics packages and provides results in HPGL, Postscript, AutoCadTM (DXF) and ArcInfoTM format.

FLONET/TRANS is a proprietary program, distributed on DOS-formatted disks containing executable images and example data sets. The documentation consists of installation instruction, theory, user's manual, and example problems.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Intel 80386/80486 based computer or compatible, 4 Mb RAM, DOS 3.1 or higher, about 4 Mb free disk space, EGA or VGA graphics, math coprocessor, and Microsoft mouse or compatible; runs as a DOS application under WINDOWS.

Developer: E.O. Frind (Univ. of Waterloo) and Waterloo HydroGeologic Software, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.