Space-time discontinuous finite element approximations for multi- dimensional nonlinear hyperbolic systems (Q911721)

This paper is concerned with the approximation of multi-dimensional nonlinear first order hyperbolic systems. The author uses discontinuous Galerkin methods to approximate both time and spatial variables. Thus, he presents an algorithm which extends, through flux vector splitting with an alternating sweep in the forward and backward space directions, the basic spirit of Lesaint's algorithm for multi-dimensional nonlinear hyperbolic systems. The paper starts with a brief review of multi-dimensional hyperbolic systems. Next the computational model is presented, and then, computational results of various model problems are discussed. The model is used to solve numerically a number of representative quasilinear hyperbolic equations which involve propagation of a sharp front through the solution domain. A posteriori analysis shows that the proposed quasi-explicit scheme is unconditionally stable and its rate of convergence is optimal for smooth solutions. Moreover this method leads to an accurate description of the structure of the shock front. Finally, comments on the algorithm and a list of open questions are given.