Code verification in computational geomechanics: Method of manufactured solutions (MMS)

Abstract Code verification is the process of ensuring that there are no coding mistakes or algorithm deficiencies in a scientific computing code. In this paper, code verification in computational geomechanics based on the method of manufactured solutions (MMS) is discussed. The application of this technique, which is the most rigorous method among all code verification techniques, is presented through verification of an in-house geomechanics code based on the Edge-based Smoothed Point Interpolation Method (ESPIM) for spatial, and three-point scheme for temporal discretisation of the governing equations. The MMS, as a generic approach to construct all-inclusive and complex test solutions for code verification, is explained. Two manufactured solutions along with an order of accuracy study are employed in several different setups to obtain the numerical and formal order of accuracies of the code. Results from the mesh and time step refinement studies confirm the verification of our code, and demonstrate the application of the MMS and order of convergence study in coupled problems in geomechanics.