Simulation of flow through dam foundation by isogeometric method

This research introduces a numerical approach called IsoGeometric Analysis (IGA) to solve the Laplace equation. Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) basis function is applied for approximation of the anisotropic saturated porous media of dam foundation field, as for description of the geometry. The discretized form of the governing Laplace equation is obtained using the standard Galerkin method. The present results consist of uplift pressure, seepage discharge and exit gradient which are validated with existing experimental data based on a physical model. The obtained data are also compared with empirical data. The computed results show a satisfactory agreement with the experimental measurements in the wide ranges of upstream flow conditions. In addition, it was found that the mentioned numerical method improves the convergency and accuracy of parameters compared to traditional methods.