Axisymmetric Seepage through Homogeneous and Nonhomogeneous Porous Mediums

Solutions to steady‐state free surface seepage from axisymmetric ponds through homogeneous and nonhomogeneous porous mediums to a drained layer at a finite depth are obtained by finite difference methods. In the formulation of the boundary value problems, the magnitudes of the radial and axial coordinates are considered dependent variables in the plane defined by the potential function and Stokes' stream function. Example solutions are given for seepage through (1) a homogeneous porous medium; (2) a nonhomogeneous porous medium in which the permeability decreases with depth; and (3) a nonhomogeneous porous medium in which the permeability increases with depth. The methods and techniques employed are equally applicable to other three‐dimensional seepage and potential fluid flow problems with axial symmetry and free surfaces. The essential differences in the formulation and solution to other problems will be the boundary conditions. (Key words: Porous mediums; seepage)