Flow Net Analysis

A Flow net is a graphical representation of two-

dimensional steady-state groundwater flow
through aquifers.
 Flow nets

• A flow net consists of two sets of lines which

must always be orthogonal (perpendicular to each
other): flow lines, which show the direction of
groundwater flow, and equipotentials (lines of
constant head), which show the distribution of
potential energy.
• Flow nets are usually constructed through trial-
and-error sketching.
• The method is often used in civil
engineering, hydrogeology or soil mechanics.
• If the value of hydraulic conductivity is the same
in all directions, the aquifer is said to be isotropic.
• If hydraulic conductivity is different in different
directions, the aquifer is said to be anisotropic .
Isotropic Anisotropic
•For anisotropic aquifers, the direction of
ground-water flow will be dependent upon the
relative directions of grad h and principal axes of
hydraulic conductivity.

•The direction of flow will incline towards the

direction with larger hydraulic conductivity.
 Equipotential lines
• Equipotentials (lines of constant head), which
show the distribution of potential energy

In fluid dynamics, a
stagnation point is a
point in a flow field
where the local
velocity of the fluid
is zero.
Flow Net Boundaries