Source Example 2: Matrix Degradation

The Source element provides the capability to model a contaminant source such that the effect of the barriers (such as drums or boxes) and/or a waste matrix (e.g., cement) in which the contaminant species are contained can more accurately represented.

Source mass can be specified to be present in discrete packages (e.g., 100 separate drums). For each individual package, two layers of containment (barriers) can be explicitly considered to exist (e.g., a drum and a liner within the drum).

In this model there are two release mechanisms. Mass is released from the Source associated with barrier failure. Barrier failure rates are described in terms of density functions of failure frequency (e.g., the rate of drum failure). In this case a uniform distribution is used for failure frequency. The source inventory is also specified as being bound within a waste matrix where the matrix has a specified degradation rate. In this model, 10 g of contaminant is initially present in each of 100 grouted boxes.

To Open the Model File:

1. Start GoldSim
2. Click on the File and select Open Example...
3. Browse to General Examples --> Contaminant Transport Examples
4. Select the file called Source2_MatrixDegradation.gsm