A new finite element method for spherically symmetric relativistic collapse (Q579907)

In a previous paper [ibid. 58, 377-394 (1985; Zbl 0579.65133)] the author used a mixed finite element-finite difference numerical method to model relativistic spherical collapse. The method was unsatisfactory in some cases, and a new method is described in this paper. Einstein's equations are written in a standard form, and a weighted residual, moving finite element method is applied to derive a discretization. Tests are made on static and pressureless collapse, in both Newtonian and relativistic situations. Shocks are smoothed using an artificial viscosity, and the results are compared to finite difference codes for the Riemann shock tube problem. Some collapse and bounce models are made, and the resulting shock is investigated. The code seems to be fast and accurate, with reasonable shock descriptions.