The Convergence Rate of Approximate Solutions for Nonlinear Scalar Conservation Laws.

Abstract

We are concerned here with the convergence rate of approximate solutions for the nonlinear scalar conservation law, u sub t + f sub x (u) + 0 with C sub o to the 1st power-initial data. In this context we first recall Strang's theorem which shows that the classical Lax-Richtmyer linear convergence theory applies for such nonlinear problem, as long as the underlying solution is sufficiently smooth. Since the solutions of the nonlinear conservation law develop spontaneous shock-discontinuities at a finite time, Strang's result does not apply beyond this critical time. Indeed, the Fourier method as well as other L squared - conservative schemes provide simple counterexamples of a consistent approximations which fail to converge (to the discontinuous entropy solution), despite their linearized L squared - stability. In this paper we extend the linear convergence theory into the weak regime. The extension is based on the usual two ingredients of stability and consistency.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA240684

Entities

People

  • Eitan Tadmor
  • Haim Nessyahu

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Consistency
  • Convergence

Fields of Study

  • Mathematics

Readers

  • Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)