Flux difference splittings and limiters for the resolution of contact discontinuities (Q1344013)

The resolution of contact discontinuities in numerical solution of systems of conservation laws is studied. In the first part of this paper the theory of \textit{A. Harten, P. Dax} and \textit{B. van Leer} [SIAM Rev. 25, 35-61 (1983; Zbl 0565.65051)] for approximate Riemann solutions is reformulated so that it can be used to compare various flux difference splitting formulae. In particular it is shown how to compare the resolution of contact discontinuities by various methods with that of the Roe method. The second part of this paper is a study of limiters. It is shown that \textit{A. Harten's} subcell resolution method [Commun. Pure Appl. Math. 30, 611-638 (1977; Zbl 0343.76023)] is the ultimate compressive limiter. It is discussed how the varying of the parameters affects the performance of commonly used limiters. It is demonstrated that more work is needed to characterize limiters and to characterize problems.