Leo C. Adams

Date of Award

4-1994

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Paul F. Auclair, PhD

Second Advisor

Dave L. Couliette, PhD

Abstract

This thesis examined the use of response surface methodology RSM as a parameter estimation technique in the field of groundwater flow modeling. Using RSM, an attempt was made to calibrate three hydraulic parameters porosity, transverse permeability, and rate of recharge of an existing two- dimensional, steady-state flow model. The model simulated groundwater flow for a portion of landfill 10 located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The model had previously been calibrated by graphical matching observed water-levels to predicted water-levels. Using the parameter values from the earlier calibration effort as a starting point, a central composite design was developed and the simulation executed at each design point. A residual sum of squares function was used as the calibration criteria and an empirical model of the error surface was developed. Of the three hydraulic parameters, only transverse permeability had a significant effect on the response. The regression model also indicated the response had a high degree of variability. A graph of the regression equation revealed no local optima within the design region indicating the initial parameter estimates may not have been warranted.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSO-ENS-94A-01

DTIC Accession Number

ADA280630

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

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