Near-fields groundwater flow

EFFECT OF COUPLING BEHAVIOR OF THE NEAR FIELD ON GROUNDWATER FLOW OF THE FAR FIELD FOR GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL... 

This paper, to evaluate these effects, proposes a method of connecting a near field model and a far field model. When a regional groundwater flow... 

Moreover, coupled thermal and hydraulic analysis in the far field is conducted using the homogenized parameters and the heat flux from the near field. This series of simulations shows that it is necessary to consider the effects of coupled processes in the near field on the regional groundwater flow system. 

On the other hand, the coupled processes in the far field are described in this chapter based on the results of the near field analysis. Assuming that mechanical behavior and unsaturated flow are negligible for regional groundwater flow system, only coupled thermal and hydraulic processes in saturated zone are considered. Governing equation... 

By the way, the heat flux from the panel is also very important for the global groundwater flow system. Figure 8 shows the time history of the heat flux from the near field mesh, compared with that from the waste canister. It can be seen that peak of the heat flux from near field is delayed and loosened compared with the value from the waste canister. 

Finally, it is of note that the most recent Swiss HLW safety assessment (Kristallin-1) assumes that the near-field will provide the main constraint on radionuclide release and transport and the main role of the geosphere is to provide a suitable environment for near-field longevity and performance. The three most important safety features provided by the geosphere are ... mechanical protection, adequate geochemical conditions and sufficiently low groundwater flow rates (Nagra 1994a). Precisely how these features impact on the chemical containment of the waste will be discussed below. 

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