Unstructured finite-volume meshes for two-dimensional flow in variably saturated porous media

This paper presents a numerical algorithm for solving the equation describing variably saturated flow in porous media. The algorithm is based on a control volume finite element approach and can be applied to two-dimensional unstructured meshes consisting of triangular elements. Two methods of defining the dual control volume grid are discussed. We also demonstrate that the method of calculating the average permeability at the control volume face significantly influences numerical results.