The word “Verification”, when used in connection with computer software can be defined as “the ability of the computer code to provide a solution consistent with the physics defined by the governing partial differential equation, PDE”. There are also other factors such as initial conditions, boundary conditions, and control variables that also affect the accuracy of the code to perform as stated.
“Verification” is generally achieved by solving a series of so-called “benchmark” problems. “Benchmark” problems are problems for which there is a closed-form solution or for which the solution has become “reasonably certain” as a result of long-hand calculations that have been performed. Publication of the “benchmark” solutions in research journals or textbooks also lends credibility to the solution. There are also example problems that have been solved and published in User Manual documentation associated with other comparable software packages. While these are valuables checks to perform, it must be realized that it is possible that errors can be transferred from one’s software solution to another. Consequently, care must be taken in performing the “verification” process on a particular software package. It must also be remembered there is never such a thing as complete software verification for “all” possible problems. Rather, it is an ongoing process that establishes credibility over time.
SoilVision Systems takes the process of “verification” most seriously and has undertaken a wide range of steps to ensure that the SVOffice software will perform as intended according to the theory shown in each product's theory manual. The models in the verification manuals represent comparisons made to textbook solutions, hand calculations, and other software packages. We at SoilVision Systems Ltd. are dedicated to providing our clients with reliable and tested software. While the list of example models show in the manuals are comprehensive, it does not reflect the entirety of models, which may be posed to the SVOffice software. It is our recommendation that the modeling process move from simple to complex models with simpler models being verified through the use of hand calculations or simple spreadsheet calculations.
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