File: README.TXT Wellhead Analytic Element Model "WhAEM Version 3.3.2" U.S. EPA Release, June 2018 Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM) National Exposure Research Lab Office of Research and Development (ORD) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) 960 College Station Road Athens, Georgia 30605-2700 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: --------------------- WhAEM requires the following: * Intel x86 or x64, 1 GHz or higher microprocessor system * Windows 7,8,10 operating system * 30 MB free disk space * 16 GB memory (more gives MUCH improved performance) * Color display with 800x600 or higher resolution * Mouse or other pointing device * Windows-compatible printer (optional) In addition, users might have use for CAD or GIS software for advanced postprocessing, though it is not necessary for typical modeling usage. DISTRIBUTION: ------------- WhAEM software is available for download from the following Uniform Resource Locator (URL): https://www.epa.gov/ceam/wellhead-analytic-element-model-whaem File downloads include the latest WhAEM software release, documentation, and tutorial binary base map files. INSTALLATION: ------------- 1) NOTE: Remove any older version of WhAEM, including the WHAEM folder and all its contents under "C:\Program Files" and make sure you run no other applications while installing WhAEM version 3.3.2. 2) Double click WhAEM_v332_setup.exe and follow the instructions on the screen. It is recommended you use the default installation path "c:\Program Files\WhAEM" 3) NOTE: You may encounter some Warnings about files that the install program likes to replace, but which are "protected by the operating system". WhAEM will most likely run fine with the current operating system configuration, hence click OK and proceed with the installation. If WhAEM fails to run properly, one or more of the warnings indicate the need to update the operating system. The WhAEM install program cannot do this (Microsoft policy), you must go to the Microsoft website to download the necessary operating system upgrade. A typical WhAEM run-time error message that indicates missing or incorrectly installed operating system components is: "Object variable or With block variable not set (error number 91)" 4) After installation of WhAEM, you will find WhAEM on the Start>Programs menu. Additionally, a short cut is placed on the desktop. 5) Version 3.3.2 is equipped with a new HTML based context sensitive Help system that requires no MS downloads (as was needed with earlier versions). 6) Test the program by opening the file "example.whm" in the folder “c:Documents and Settings\\My Documents\WhAEM projects\Vincennes". If you are new to WhAEM, it is recommended that you go over the Tutorial for an introduction to the program. NOTE: Upon opening example.whm or any other project file delivered with this program you may receive a message stating: Your Project File and your Intermediate Model Files are not set in the same place! This may cause problems. Would you like to set your Intermediate Model File path to your project path? Simply click on Yes to correct this. The message is due to the fact that the project file may have been opened on another drive (with another drive letter) than the one it is on currently. 7) IMPORTANT: If you have been a WhAEM user already and created WhAEM projects you should move these projects (organized in your project folders) to the Document or My Document folder in the PERSONALDATA path. For instance, on a Windows 10 machine this is \Documents and Settings\\Documents\WhAEM projects. After WhAEM installation you may search for the folder "WhAEM projects" to find the proper path on your machine. 8) Warning for users outside the USA: The WhAEM solver is a FORTRAN code which only recognizes the period as the decimal point. For proper operation of WhAEM the Windows operating system must be set to the English (United States) locale. To do so proceed as follows: Go to: Start Menu> Windows System > Settings> Control Panel> Clock, Language, and Regions and Change date, time, and number formats, and select: Format English (United States). Check for proper number format under Additional Settings. ------------------ Support document ---------------- We recommend that you read the document "Overview of features in WhAEM.pdf" which offers a good introduction to WhAEM's versatile modeling tools. ------------- Useful modeling practice information: ------------- 1) Start simple (with a small simple model) and then gradually add detail and complexity as needed. Frequently solve when adding features or making changes to make sure that the modifications resulted in solvable model. 2) Always check the accuracy with which boundary conditions are met by going to Model>View Model Run Files>Runtime Message File. The first line in that file indicates the last update of the solver (of importance when looking for patches or upgrades). Below that follow solution progress reports for the various iterations. Boundary conditions, in general, should be met within 1%. Note: the default GUI setting is to automatically display this file after each solution. 3) Visually inspect the contour plots for irregularities. Jumps in the head can only occur at no-flow or resistance barriers, or when the groundwater elevations are drawn down to the edge of the aquifer base with a jump in the base elevation. Jumps in the head show up as bundled up contours. Always be on the alert for unreasonable solutions. 4) When tracing streamlines in a very large model window, it may be necessary to override the default stepsize. The default stepsize depends on the window size. Too large a step size may lead to hooky and inaccurate pathlines. To reduce the stepsize go to Model>Settings>Tracing. KNOWN DEFICIENCIES: ------------------- See the release notes for updates. If users discover installation or run time problems and/or deficiencies, please contact the US EPA Project Officer (refer to CONTACTS section below). DISCLAIMER: ----------- Although this software has been extensively tested by the author and by Haitjema Software, no responsibility is assumed by the author, by Haitjema Software, or by USEPA for any bugs, deficiencies or side-effects of using this software. The software is provided "as is", without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. In no event shall the authors or copyright holders be liable for any claim, damages, or other liability, arising from, out of, or in connection with the software or the use or other dealings in the software. Please make sure that the system is fully backed-up before installing this software. CONTACTS: --------- For questions or information concerning the distribution or installation of WhAEM2000 software, documentation, or data please contact CEAM at: E-mail: ceam@epamail.epa.gov Mail: Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM) National Exposure Research Laboratory U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) 960 College Station Road Athens, Georgia 30605-2700 Please report software bugs to: Stephen R. Kraemer, WhAEM Project Officer US EPA, Office of Research and Development E-mail: kraemer.stephen@epa.gov