A level-set algorithm for tracking discontinuities in hyperbolic conservation laws. I: Scalar equations (Q5937911)

The papers introduces an algorithm for tracking discontinuities in hyperbolic conservation laws, on the basis of a level-set method [on this topic, see the book by \textit{J. A. Sethian}: Level set methods. evolving interfaces in geometry, fluid mechanics, computer vision, and material science. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press (1996; Zbl 0859.76004)]. The algorithm incorporates ENO (or WENO) schemes [see \textit{J. A. Shu} and \textit{S. Osher}, J. Comput. Phys. 77, No. 2, 439--471 (1988; Zbl 0653.65072)] into a ghost fluid method [see \textit{R. P. Fedwick, T. Aslam, B. Merriman} and \textit{S. Osher}, J. Comput. Phys. 152, No. 2, 457--492 (1999; Zbl 0957.76052)]. Using the WENO5 scheme, numerical experiments show much better agreement with the exact solution than the numerical solution computed through the standard WENO5 scheme (i.e. without level-set tracking). These experiments are run on the 1D advection equation and the 1D and 2D Burgers' equation, with nonsmooth periodic initial data. One advantage of the method is that multi-dimensional implementation is easy and yields good results. Drawbacks are: 1) its cost (3 times as much CPU time and memory as standard capturing schemes); 2) that only initial discontinuities are tracked; and 3) that the method is for the moment limited to convex scalar conservation laws. A forthcoming paper is announced concerning systems.