A boundary element method for steady infiltration from periodic channels

Abstract

The matric flux potential and horizontal and vertical flux distributions are obtained for periodic irrigation channels by using boundary integral equation techniques. Numerical results are given for the special cases of semicircular and rectangular channels and the results compared with those of Batu [ Soil Science Society of America Journal , 42:545--549, 1978] and Warrick and Lomen [ Soil Science Society of America Journal , 40:639--643, 1976] for a flat strip. The results show that the matric flux potential associated with the flat strip and semicircular channel are similar; whereas for the particular rectangular channel considered the matric flux potential is subtantially increased in the region adjacent to the channel.