FEFLOW 10, developed by DHI, is a professional software package for modeling groundwater flow, mass, and heat transport in porous and fractured media. It uses finite element analysis to simulate complex subsurface processes under saturated and unsaturated conditions. Released in 2025, it introduces advanced features to streamline workflows and enhance visualization. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:

Key Features of FEFLOW 10

  1. Implicit Modelling Workflow:
    • Enables construction of geologically meaningful surfaces and structural models with ease, improving model conceptualization. Users can define material information before meshing, reducing the risk of data loss during re-meshing.
  2. Advanced Map Projection Tools:
    • Includes online background maps for improved visual clarity, aiding in precise spatial representation of complex geological and geometrical features like rivers, fractures, and tunnels.
  3. Extended Equation of State (EOS):
    • Supports evaluation of phase conditions in deep geothermal models, enhancing applications in geothermal storage and direct use.
  4. Streamlined Transport Formulation:
    • Features an extended “Convective Form” to simplify transport modeling for applications such as direct lithium extraction, aquifer remediation, and geothermal storage.
  5. 3D Meshing Enhancements:
    • Supports layer-based, partially unstructured, or fully unstructured meshes for accurate representation of complex geology. Users can deactivate/reactivate mesh elements to model temporal changes (e.g., tunnel excavations or mine plans).
  6. Cloud Integration with MIKE Cloud:
    • Allows one-click deployment of FEFLOW/FePEST runs to the cloud with real-time monitoring, offering flexible configurations for various modeling projects.
  7. Surface Water Integration:
    • Supports native coupling with MIKE 1D via the piMIKE1D plug-in for integrated groundwater/surface water modeling. Fluid-transfer boundary conditions can be assigned to represent rivers or lakes, with calculations based on transfer rates and hydraulic head differences.
  8. MODFLOW Import:
    • Users can import MODFLOW 6 models into FEFLOW, leveraging its superior visualization tools and advanced modeling capabilities.
  9. Programming Interface:
    • Offers a mature API and a free library of plug-ins, making it accessible for less experienced programmers to extend functionality.

Applications

FEFLOW 10 is designed for:

  • Mining & Metals: Modeling sustainable mining operations.
  • Civil Engineering & Geotechnics: Analyzing groundwater flow for infrastructure projects.
  • Geothermal Energy: Supporting deep geothermal and storage projects.
  • Environmental Services: Addressing aquifer remediation and contaminant transport.

It is particularly suited for complex projects, such as predicting water inflows for hydroelectric power plants, as demonstrated in studies using 3D groundwater flow models.