AnAqSim 2024 is a meshless groundwater flow simulation software based on the Analytic Element Method (AEM). It offers an efficient alternative to grid-based tools like MODFLOW, enabling rapid model modifications and scenario testing without rebuilding meshes. The software supports steady-state and transient simulations in multi-aquifer systems, making it ideal for hydrogeologists, engineers, and environmental professionals working on water supply, site remediation, seepage analysis, and coastal aquifer management.
Key Features:
- Multi-Layer and 3D Modeling: Supports up to 15 vertical layers for simulating 3D flows, partially penetrating wells, flow under streams, and varying layering schemes with seamless boundary transitions.
- Heterogeneity and Anisotropy: Allows domains with anisotropic properties, variable hydraulic conductivity ratios, and orientations, supporting confined, unconfined, or hybrid setups, including fresh-salt interfaces using the Ghyben-Herzberg approximation.
- Boundary Conditions and Elements: Provides flexible representation of wells (discharge- or head-specified, spanning multiple domains), streams, ponds, wetlands, barriers, recharge areas, extraction trenches, and head/flux-dependent boundaries.
- Pathline and Flow Analysis: Enables 3D pathline tracing from points, lines, wells, or polygons, with time markers for evaluating flow paths, velocities, and inter-layer exchanges.
- Transient Simulation: Supports full transient modeling with finite-difference time steps, variable storage fluxes, and compatibility with tools like PEST for parameter estimation and calibration.
- User Interface and Tools: Features an intuitive GUI for digitizing elements (points, polylines, etc.) with snap-to capabilities, DXF basemap support, XML model file editing, and command-line automation for batch runs or integration with other software.
- 2024 Updates: Introduces student licensing, bug fixes for DXF maps and vertical leakage polygons, increased equation limits (up to ~40,000), and command-line execution; reflects ownership transition to Practical Groundwater Ltd.
AnAqSim 2024 excels in modeling heterogeneous, anisotropic, and transient groundwater scenarios with high accuracy and flexibility, supporting efficient “what-if” analyses for real-world engineering decisions.
