Integrated Surface-Groundwater Modeling With Dynamic Mesh Evolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for hydrologic modeling of landscapes with changing topography, such as those experiencing mining activities, are either cost-prohibitive or inaccurately represent evolving landscapes, failing to explicitly model new features like pits and tailings piles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a dynamic mesh evolution to reposition computational nodes and add/remove elements in a numerical model, accurately representing elevation changes and simulating water flow through landscapes with evolving features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If snapshot models representing individual mine states are developed, then the model can represent specific landscape states, but the cost becomes prohibitive and accuracy deteriorates due to continuity and mass balance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static snapshot models to a dynamic mesh model that continuously evolves with the landscape. The mesh dynamically adapts its topology and geometry to represent changing topography and material distribution, allowing the model to capture temporal evolution without requiring multiple separate simulations. This dynamic approach maintains accuracy while reducing complexity by using a single continuous model rather than multiple snapshots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the mesh properties (topology, geometry, element connectivity) to change continuously as the landscape evolves. The model updates mesh parameters in response to changing elevation, material properties, and landscape features, enabling accurate representation of mining operations without requiring prohibitively complex multiple-model approaches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transient material properties and boundary conditions are used to mimic changing landscape, then the model can represent evolving conditions, but the landscape features are not explicitly represented and cannot be directly interrogated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the landscape into discrete mesh elements that can be individually tracked and identified. Each mesh element represents a specific portion of the landscape with explicit spatial coordinates and material properties. This segmentation allows direct interrogation of landscape features while maintaining the ability to represent transient conditions, as each element can be independently updated as the landscape evolves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the temporal dimension to the spatial mesh structure, creating a space-time evolving model. The mesh transitions from a static 3D representation to a dynamic 4D representation that explicitly tracks landscape features through time. This dimensional extension allows explicit representation of evolving features while maintaining adaptability to changing conditions.
3Productivity
If a single continuous simulation is used, then the model can represent landscape evolution efficiently, but accurately representing new features like pits and tailings piles becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to enable the mesh to continuously adapt its structure as new landscape features emerge. The mesh dynamically creates new elements to represent pits, tailings piles, and other features as they form, maintaining geometric accuracy while proceeding through a single continuous simulation. This dynamic element creation allows precise feature representation without requiring multiple separate simulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the mesh structure and material properties that will accommodate future landscape changes. The initial mesh is configured with sufficient flexibility and resolution to accurately represent upcoming features, allowing the simulation to proceed efficiently while maintaining the capability to precisely model new features as they develop.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for integrated surface water and groundwater modelling using a dynamic mesh evolution. The system includes a dynamic mesh evolution that enables elevation changes in a landscape to be better represented in a simulation model. By moving, adding or removing computation nodes within the model over a predetermined range and updating the metadata, elevation changes may be better represented.