The report describes a code testing protocol, containing two main elements: functionality analysis and performance evaluation. The report discusses applicability assessment, i.e., providing information on a code's capabilities in simulating complex, real-world ground-water problems. The code is analyzed with respect to its simulation functions and operational characteristics. This is followed by the design or selection of relevant test problems, the so-called test strategy. The set of test problems is chosen such that all code functions and features are addressed. Results of the testing are documented in tables and matrices, which provide a quick overview of the completeness of the testing, in various types of informative graphs, and with a set of statistical measures indicative of the test results. The final step consists of documenting the results in report form, archiving the baselined code and test files, and communicating the results to the different audiences in an appropriate format. The results of code testing are analyzed using standardized statistical and graphical techniques, and presented using informative tables, tabular matrices, and graphs. The protocol is demonstrated and evaluated using the three-dimensional finite difference flow and solute transport simulation code, FTWORK.

"EPA/600/R-97/007"--Cover. "February 1997"--Cover. Includes bibliographical references (pages 143-153).