A variable input boundary problem in contaminant transport

Abstract

This thesis considers the large-time behaviour of the equation

(∂(u+uᵖ) )/( ∂t ) + Q(t) ∂u/( ∂x) = ∂²u/∂x² p>0, r≥ -1

With 0 ≤ 𝓍 < ∞, t ≥ 0 and Q (t) ~ tʳ, t  ∞. This equation models, after suitable scalings are introduced, the one-dimensional flow of a solute through a porous medium with the solute undergoing adsorption by the solid matrix. We consider two models for the contaminant input at 𝓍= 0, the first being continuous input and the second being an initial pulse of contaminant which terminates after a finite time. Thus the total mass of the solute both adsorbed and in solution is considered to be dependent on time. It is found that the asymptotic solution depends crucially on both p and r. In finding the asymptotic solution, a similarity variable is introduced which for p ≥ 1 may involve spatial translation. We also have that when p < 1 interfaces appear and hence we have bounded support, whilst for p≥1 we do not. The principal role of r is to determine the balance between diffusion and convection effects. In the continuous input case this balance is independent of p, whilst in the pulse problem p is also involved in determining the balance.