ARS | Publication request: THE SWMS 2D CODE WITH A USER-FRIENDLY INTERFACE IN A WINDOWS ENVIRONMENT

Submitted to: Workshop on Computer Applications in Water Management Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: February 14, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Even though well-documented multi-dimensional numerical computer models are available, one major problem which often prevents the use of such codes is the extensive work required for data preparation, finite element grid design, and graphical presentation of output results. Hence, a more widespread use of multi-dimensional model requires techniques which make it teasier to create, manipulate and display large data files, and which facilitate interactive data management. To avoid or simplify the preparation and management of relatively complex input data files for two-dimensional applications, and to graphically display final simulation results, we developed an interactive graphics-based user-friendly interface for the MS Windows environment. The interface is connected to the previously developed version 2.1 of the SWMS 2D code which simulates two-dimensional variably-saturated water flow and solute transport in a porous medium.

Technical Abstract: A new version (2.1) of the SWMS 2D code simulating water flow and solute transport in two-dimensional variably saturated media was developed. The code was made more effective by implementing an interactive graphics-based user interface which includes data pre-processing and graphical presentation of the output results in a MS Windows 3.1 environment. Data pre-processing involves specification of the flow region having an arbitrary continuous shape bounded by polylines, arcs and splines, discretization of domain boundaries, and subsequent automatic generation of an an unstructured finite element mesh. The method used for generating the unstructured triangular mesh was based on a Delaunay criterium. We also incorporated an alternatives, structured mesh generator for relatively simple quadrilateral domains. A small catalog of soil hydraulic properties was made part of the user-friendly interface. Graphical presentation of the output results consists of simple two-dimensional x-y plots, as well as contour and spectral maps, velocity vectors, and animation of both contour and spectral maps. Graphs along any cross-section are also readily obtained. The versatility of the SWMS 2D code is illustrated by means of an example simulating the two- dimensional infiltration of water and solute from a furrow into a tile- drained soil profile.