Analytic element method

These elements typically correspond to a discontinuity in the dependent variable or its gradient along a geometric boundary (e.g., point, line, ellipse, circle, sphere, etc.).

This discontinuity has a specific functional form (usually a polynomial in 2D) and may be manipulated to satisfy Dirichlet, Neumann, or Robin (mixed) boundary conditions.

Commonly each analytic solution contains degrees of freedom (coefficients) that may be calculated to meet prescribed boundary conditions along the element's border.

This mathematical representation can be used to calculate the potential in terms of position and thus also solve groundwater flow problems.

[7] The analytical element method can efficiently be used as verification or as a screening tool in larger projects as it may fast and accurately calculate the groundwater flow for many complex problems.

[10] There also exist solutions for implementing vertically varying properties or structures in an aquifer in an AEM model.