Darcy’s law and groundwater flow modelling

Snapshots of modern mathematics from Oberwolfach

Darcy’s law and groundwater flow modelling

Formulations of natural phenomena are derived, sometimes, from experimentation and observation. Mathematical methods can be applied to expand on these formulations, and develop them into better models. In the year 1856, the French hydraulic engineer Henry Darcy performed experiments, measuring water flow through a column of sand. He discovered and described a fundamental law: the linear relation between pressure difference and flow rate – known today as Darcy’s law. We describe the law and the evolution of its modern formulation. We furthermore sketch some current mathematical research related to Darcy’s law. 

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Mathematical subjects

Analysis
Numerics and Scientific Computing

Connections to other fields

Chemistry and Earth Science
Physics

Author(s)

Ben Schweizer

License

DOI (Digital Object Identifier)

10.14760/SNAP-2015-007-EN

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PDF

snapshots: overview

Mathematical subjects

Algebra and Number Theory
Analysis
Didactics and Education
Discrete Mathematics and Foundations
Geometry and Topology
Numerics and Scientific Computing
Probability Theory and Statistics

Connections to other fields

Chemistry and Earth Science
Computer Science
Engineering and Technology
Finance
Humanities and Social Sciences
Life Science
Physics
Reflections on Mathematics

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