A Level Set Algorithm for Tracking Discontinuities in Hyperbolic Conservation Laws II: Systems of Equations

  • Authors:

  • Tariq D. Aslam

  • Affiliations:

  • Dynamic Experimentation Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545. aslam@lanl.gov

  • Venue:
  • Journal of Scientific Computing
  • Year:
  • 2003

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Abstract

A level set algorithm for tracking discontinuities in hyperbolic conservation laws is presented. The algorithm uses a simple finite difference approach, analogous to the method of lines scheme presented in [36]. The zero of a level set function is used to specify the location of the discontinuity. Since a level set function is used to describe the front location, no extra data structures are needed to keep track of the location of the discontinuity. Also, two solution states are used at all computational nodes, one corresponding to the “real” state, and one corresponding to a “ghost node” state, analogous to the “Ghost Fluid Method” of [12]. High order pointwise convergence was demonstrated for scalar linear and nonlinear conservation laws, even at discontinuities and in multiple dimensions in the first paper of this series [3]. The solutions here are compared to standard high order shock capturing schemes, when appropriate. This paper focuses on the issues involved in tracking discontinuities in systems of conservation laws. Examples will be presented of tracking contacts and hydrodynamic shocks in inert and chemically reacting compressible flow.