Riemann problems for a class of coupled hyperbolic systems of conservation laws with a source term

Abstract

The Riemann problems for a class of coupled hyperbolic systems of conservation laws with a source term are studied. The Riemann solutions exactly include two kinds: delta-shock solutions and vacuum solutions. In order to see more clearly the influence of the source term on Riemann solutions, the generalized Rankine-Hugoniot relations of delta shock waves are derived in detail, and the position, propagation speed and strength of delta shock wave are given. It is also shown that, as the source term vanishes, the Riemann solutions converge to the corresponding ones of the homogeneous system, which is just the generalized zero-pressure flow model and contains the one-dimensional zero-pressure flow as a prototypical example. Furthermore, the generalized balance relations associated with the generalized mass and momentum transportation are established for the delta-shock solution. Finally, two typical examples are presented to illustrate the application of our results.