FEFLOW – PySMH: Building numerical models faster than ever

INVESTMENT

Fee: No charge*

Time commitment - approximately three hours made up of:

• Self-study: Modules 1-10 (Includes online video lectures and exercises)

PRODUCT

FEFLOW

Groundwater hydrologists or hydrogeologists are often asked questions about groundwater flow, aquifer hydraulics, management of water resources, fate of contamination plumes or feasibility of geothermal systems, plus others.

Providing answers to these questions requires specific field information and a general understanding of hydrogeological processes. Nature is not simple, yet even simple tasks require state-of-the-art supporting tools. Groundwater models provide a quantitative framework for synthesising field information and for conceptualising hydrogeologic processes. Models are used as a tool to assist consultants and engineers in getting possible answers to a specific groundwater problem.

In this course, we will provide you an overview of the latest FEFLOW's module named PySMH. This is a Python module part of the FEFLOW Programming Interface, which allows you to create FEFLOW's Supermesh documents, access the mesh generators and extend the model to 3D using FEFLOW's interpolators. Through a practical exercise, the course demonstrates the modelling workflow of a FEFLOW model entirely via Python.

The course will walk you through the different steps required to create the 3D finite-element mesh, set the model parametrization, run the steady-state model and run the transient simulation of a deep geothermal reservoir.

About FEFLOW

FEFLOW is widely recognised as a comprehensive software package for subsurface flow and transport simulation. FEFLOW’s unique meshing capabilities (structured and unstructured) allow for the highest degree of flexibility to account in detail for the most simple to complex geometrical configurations. The software is used by leading research institutes, universities, consulting firms and government organisations all over the world. FEFLOW’s scope of application ranges from simple local scale to complex large-scale modelling. Application areas include water management, mine water, saltwater intrusion, geothermal energy and variably saturated media.

IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?

This course is right for you if:

• You are a consultant, engineer, hydrogeologist or geologist 
• You have a basic understanding of hydrogeological concepts
• You have a certain understanding of the modelling workflows in FEFLOW

WHAT ARE MY EXPECTED OUTCOMES?

Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Work with the FEFLOW's Python to create FEFLOW's Supermesh and run the mesh generators.
• Define slices and elevation datasets for extending the model to 3D in Python.
• Set the Problem Definition for changing from steady to transient state (or vice-versa if needed).
• Use the Well Manager class in Python for implementing Multilayer Wells (e.g. a geothermal doublet)
• Parametrize the model domain with or without the FEFLOW's Parameter Lookup table.
• Run multiple model scenarios (e.g. steady and transient) within a single Python's script.

HOW WILL I LEARN?

Each module includes videos and materials that you need for model examples. It will take you around three hours to complete the course at a time that fits your needs and requirements – and from the comfort of your own office, home or any location convenient for you.

MODULE DETAILS

Introduction
Preliminary steps: Download the software and course agenda.

Module 1 | Get started
Background information of the data used in the course and installations

Module 2 | Create a Supermesh
Topics: Create a Supermesh, add polygons and other geometries in FEFLOW's Python interface.

Module 3 | Mesh generation
Topics: Select and use FEFLOW's mesh generators directly from the FEFLOW's Python interface.

Module 4 | Extension to 3D
Topics: Define number of slices and use elevation datasets to build 3D meshes.

Module 5 | Problem Class
Topics: The concept of the Problem Definition in the FEFLOW's Python interface.

Module 6 | Parametrization
Topics: Parametrize the model domain using standard FEFLOW APIs

Module 7 | Run steady-state model
Topics: Run the model directly from Python.

Module 8 | Transient Problem Class
Topics: Change the problem definition to transient.

Module 9 | Results
Topics: Discussion on the modelling results

Module 10 | Model Adjustments
Topics: Work with FEFLOW's Lookup Table in Python, adjust vertical refinements

Final remarks

INSTRUCTOR

DR. CARLOS RIVERA VILLARREYES, DHI GERMANY  
Dipl.-Ing. (FH), Civil Engineering, University of Piura, Peru; MSc, Desert Studies - Water Resources Management, Ben-Gurion University, Israel; PhD, Hydrology, University of Potsdam, Germany

Dr Carlos Rivera Villarreyes works as a Global Product Specialist and Product Manager / Owner for FEFLOW. Dr Rivera has profound knowledge of groundwater and unsaturated-zone modelling as well as parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis (e.g., with PEST), all these in the context of mining, geothermal modelling, water quality and nuclear waste decommissioning applications among others. He has carried out several groundwater modelling projects and trained professionals in groundwater modelling around the globe. Dr Carlos is an authorised DHI trainer.

REQUIREMENTS

• Reliable internet connection 
• An installation of the DHI License Management and FEFLOW software 
• If you are not familiar with the basic terminology of Hydrogeology, e.g., definitions of aquifer properties (confined/unconfined systems, transmissivity, conductivity, etc.) and principles of groundwater flow (e.g., Darcy Law), it is strongly recommended to do a pre-reading of standard textbooks of Hydrogeology.
• Basic understanding of FEFLOW workflows.

LANGUAGE
Lectures and training material are in English. 

RESOURCES

• Highlights of FEFLOW here
• "Getting started with groundwater modelling course" here
  
• THE ACADEMY webinars
• THE ACADEMY self-paced online courses

INFORMATION AND CONTACT

Carlos Andres Rivera Villarreyes - cvi@dhigroup.com

academy@dhigroup.com

*In exchange for course access, you agree to receive marketing material from DHI group through e-mails, social media and apps about our products and services. You can unsubscribe anytime.