The development of an optimized computer simulation model for heat and moisture transfer in soils

Abstract

Develops a computer model in order to predict the flow of water through soil and the effect of temperature gradients upon the movement of water in soil. The model is for two-dimensional flow of moisture and temperature, has an automatic grid routine, and permits the user to define an irregular shaped surface, variables of rainfall, subsurface sources, wind, sunshine, solar energy, multiple soil layers, width of rows in grid, and surface temperature.

The recent trend toward improvement of the environment and the necessity for increased productivity of the land to meet requirements of ever-increasing population has stimulated interest in soil physics. There is a great need for simulation models to aid in management decisions and scientific studies in these areas. Computer optimization techniques, in conjunction with numerical techniques and soil physics applications have been applied in the development of an optimized predictive model for the transfer of heat and moisture within the soil. Also included are environmental influences as well as subsurface sources and sinks. The computer model has been written in U. S. A. Standard FORTRAN IV. A complete program listing, a user's guide and several sets of results are included in this dissertation.