Double parametric based solution of fuzzy unconfined aquifer problem using Laplace transforms method

Abstract

The Boussinesq equation describes the model for horizontal water flow in unconfined aquifers without precipitation, a topic that has been extensively studied in the literature. However, the parameters, as well as the initial and boundary conditions, are often assumed to be exact. In reality, these conditions may be incomplete or uncertain due to limited knowledge, insufficient information, or errors introduced by humans or machines. The fuzzy set theory has recently been successfully employed to model such uncertainties. This article investigates the analytical solution of the one-dimensional Boussinesq equation in a fuzzy environment. The objective of this research is to investigate the recharge and discharge of a semi-infinite unconfined aquifer adjacent to a lake. For the present investigation, uncertainties in terms of fuzzy are considered only for the involved initial and boundary conditions of the problem, whereas other parameters are considered as crisp or exact. The analysis employed the double parametric form of a fuzzy number alongside Laplace transform techniques. The obtained solutions were then compared with existing results in specific cases to validate their accuracy.