TimSL

An Open-Source, Object-Oriented AEM model

TimSL is an object-oriented, open-source, analytic element model for steady-state and transient groundwater flow in single aquifers. The computer code is written in Python and its name refers to 'Tim the Enchanter' in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It is called TimSL to distinguish it from the multi-layer program TimML program. The code is kept basic but flexible so that it may serve a number of purposes. First, it may serve as a framework for researchers and practitioners for the implementation of new research ideas. Second, it may serve as an introduction into object-oriented programming for current analytic element developers and users. And third, it may serve as a stepping stone for people interested in analytic element programs. The code is open-source and is distributed under the GNU Lesser General Public License.

There are two download options: a zip file with the Python code and a manual in postscript format. (Don't worry, you won't have to compile the Python code. The manual contains full instructions on how to run Tim.) The objective of the manual is to provide enough information for someone familiar with the analytic element method to use or modify the program. No effort is made in this document to explain the basics of the analytic element method. The reader is referred, instead, to the books Groundwater Mechanics by O.D.L. Strack and Analytic Element Modeling of Groundwater Flow by H.M. Haitjema. The description and derivation of the transient elements is available in Analytic Elements for Transient Groundwater Flow, a ZIPped PDF version of Willem Zaadnoordijk's PhD thesis

Tim can only be run if you also install Python 2.1 or later. Full instructions for the Python installation are available on the Python website. Additional installation information is given in the Tim manual. Please make sure you also install the corresponding Numeric package.

Download options

• TimSL ZIP file with all necessary files, pdf Manual. Beta version 0.5. Date: 14 February, 2006. This version will run under win32, for other operating systems a Fortran executable has to be rebuilt. The source is included.
• ZIPped PDF file with Tutorial for TimSL
• ZIPped supplement (spreadsheet and Python files) to Computer Note in Groundwater special issue on the Analytic Element Method - planned for Fall 2005
• A Python tutorial for Analytic element developers

Developers team

• Willem Jan Zaadnoordijk, Royal Haskoning, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
• Mark Bakker, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
• Vic Kelson, WHPA, Inc., Bloomington, Indiana.

Sponsors

• RIZA, Lelystad, The Netherlands. Project manager: Wim de Lange.
• USEPA, Athens, Georgia, USA. Project manager: Steve Kraemer.

Tim in the news

A description of Tim appeared in the IGWMC Newsletter of May 2001.
A paper has appeared in Ground Water about the use of TimSL for the design of a building pit dewatering

Links

• TimML. The multi-aquifer version for modeling steady-state, multi-aquifer groundwater flow with analytic elements.
• Triwaco page the free demo version may be used for contouring etc. of TimSL results

For questions contact: wj.zaadnoordijk@royalhaskoning.com

Last updated: 12 November, 2006.