Series solutions for steady unsaturated flow in irregular porous domains

For the most part, analytical solutions for steady unsaturated infiltration have been restricted to infinite and semi-infinite seepage geometries, using the quasi-linear approximation for the hydraulic conductivity. We provide analytical series methods to solve the steady quasi-linear flow equations, in finite irregular seepage geometries. Unlike the classical approach, the series method has been modified, to cater for arbitrary boundary geometry and surface recharge distributions. The matrix flux potential and the stream function both satisfy the same governing partial differential equation, and the stream function formulation is used to estimate the series coefficients. For a finite vadose zone, the stream function solution does not uniquely determine the matrix flux potential, when flux boundary conditions are used. Consequently, the stream function solution applies to a range of moisture distributions, for given infiltration and evapotranspiration rates through the surface.