Hyperbolic balance laws: Riemann invariants and the generalized Riemann problem (Q2373395)

Weakly coupled systems are introduced. These systems have only a partial set of Riemann invariants, but these sets are weakly coupled in a way that enables an appropriated treatment of the generalized Riemann problem. An important example of weakly coupled systems is the Euler system of compressible, non-isentropic fluid flow. The solution of the generalized Riemann problem discussed in this work is based on a careful analysis of rarefaction waves. A generalized Riemann scheme is derived, and several numerical examples are presented, in particular a numerical scheme generalizing the Godunov scheme.