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Abstract In this paper, we focus on a discrete physical model describing granular crystals, whose equations of motion can be described by a system of differential difference equations. After revisiting earlier continuum approximations, we propose a regularized continuum model variant to approximate the discrete granular crystal model through a suitable partial differential equation. We then compute, both analytically and numerically, its travelling wave and periodic travelling wave solutions, in addition to its conservation laws. Next, using the periodic solutions, we describe quantitatively various features of the dispersive shock wave (DSW) by applying Whitham modulation theory and the DSW fitting method. Finally, we perform several sets of systematic numerical simulations to compare the corresponding DSW results with the theoretical predictions and illustrate that the continuum model provides a good approximation of the underlying discrete one.
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Hydrodynamics of a discrete conservation law
Abstract The Riemann problem for the discrete conservation law is classified using Whitham modulation theory, a quasi‐continuum approximation, and numerical simulations. A surprisingly elaborate set of solutions to this simple discrete regularization of the inviscid Burgers' equation is obtained. In addition to discrete analogs of well‐known dispersive hydrodynamic solutions—rarefaction waves (RWs) and dispersive shock waves (DSWs)—additional unsteady solution families and finite‐time blowup are observed. Two solution types exhibit no known conservative continuum correlates: (i) a counterpropagating DSW and RW solution separated by a symmetric, stationary shock and (ii) an unsteady shock emitting two counterpropagating periodic wavetrains with the same frequency connected to a partial DSW or an RW. Another class of solutions called traveling DSWs, (iii), consists of a partial DSW connected to a traveling wave comprised of a periodic wavetrain with a rapid transition to a constant. Portions of solutions (ii) and (iii) are interpreted as shock solutions of the Whitham modulation equations.
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- PAR ID:
- 10608330
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Studies in Applied Mathematics
- Volume:
- 153
- Issue:
- 4
- ISSN:
- 0022-2526
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- dispersive shock waves Whitham modulation theory Riemann problem
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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