Finite Element Microcomputer Well Drawdown System

Abstract

Hydrogeologic parameters can be estimated from the observed recovery of pressure during pumping tests in deep strata, but the computations are tedious and may be limited by the availability of analytical solutions. PC PUMPING is a computer program, based on finite element methods, that can accommodate both constant and variable material properties, several distinct aquifers, arbitrary histories of pumping and recovery, leaky aquifers, wellbore storage effects, skin effects, and the presence of planar and circumferential boundaries. The program runs on a microcomputer. Solutions are obtained by iterative matching of modeled to actual pressure recovery curves. A menu‐driven system of input and direct graphical output to either CRT screen or pen plotter have greatly reduced the time required to analyze the results of pumping tests, and several hydrogeologists who have had little previous experience with computers are now using the system. The paper also discusses several issues of development and documentation.