A kinetic flux vector splitting scheme for shallow water flows

Abstract

A kinetic flux vector splitting (KFVS) scheme for shallow water flows based on the collisionless Boltzmann equation is formulated and applied. The scheme is explicit and first order in space and time with stability governed by the Courant condition. The consistency of the KFVS scheme with the shallow water equations is proven using the equivalent differential equations approach. The accuracy and efficiency of the KFVS scheme in modeling complex flow features are compared to those of the Boltzmann Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (BGK) scheme as well as a Riemann-based scheme. In particular, all schemes are applied to (i) strong shock waves, (ii) extreme expansion waves, (iii) a combination of strong shock waves and extreme expansion waves, and (iv) a one-dimensional dam break problem. Additionally, the KFVS, BGK and Riemann schemes are applied to a one-dimensional dam break problem for which laboratory data is available. These test cases reveal that all three schemes provide solutions of comparable accuracy, but the KFVS model is 1.5–2 times faster to execute than the BGK scheme and 2–3 times faster than the Riemann-based scheme. The absence of the collision term from the Boltzmann equation not only makes the mathematical formulation of KFVS easy but also helps elucidate this approach to the novice. The accuracy, efficiency, and simplicity of the KFVS scheme indicate its potential in modeling an array of water resources problems. Due to the scalar nature of the Boltzmann equation, the extension of the KFVS scheme to 2-D surface water flows is straightforward.