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MicroFEM Program Characterization
MicroFEM Modeling Features
MicroFEM Program Features and Capabilities
MicroFEM Input and Output
MicroFEM Requirements
Review by Ground Water Magazine
MicroFEM Program Characterization
The Win95/98/NT version of MicroFEM is a new program, based on the DOS package Micro-Fem. It takes you through the whole process of ground water
modeling, from the generation of a finite-element grid through the stages of preprocessing, calculation, postprocessing, graphical interpretation and plotting. Confined, semi-confined, phreatic, stratified and leaky
multi-aquifer systems can be simulated with up to twenty aquifers.
Irregular grids, as typically used by finite-element programs, have several advantages compared to the more or less regular grids used by
finite-difference codes. A model with a well-designed irregular grid will show more accurate results with fewer nodes so less computer memory is required while calculations are faster. MicroFEM offers extensive
possibilities as to the ease of creating such irregular grids. Two grid generators are included; one is designed for irregular geometries as often encountered in regional studies, while the other is useful for
engineering applications that often require high contrasts in node spacing, e.g., sheet piling and excavations. Adding and erasing nodes, connection swapping and further modifications to the grid can be done
interactively.
Other MicroFEM features include the ease of data preparation and the presentation and analysis of modeling results. A flexible way of zone-selection
and formula-assignment is used for all parameters: transmissivities, aquitard resistances, well discharges and boundary conditions for each layer.
Depending on the type of model, this can be extended with layer thicknesses, storativities, spatially varying anisotropy and topsystem parameters.
To inspect and interpret model results, maps and profiles can be used to visualize contours, heads, 3D flowlines, flow vectors, etc. Time-drawdown curves and water balances can be selected with just a few keystrokes
or mouse clicks. Its capacity, speed and flexibility have made MicroFEM a most widely used ground water modeling tool.
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