Strong bounded variation estimates for the multi-dimensional finite volume approximation of scalar conservation laws and application to a tumour growth model

Abstract: A uniform bounded variation estimate for finite volume approximations of the nonlinear scalar conservation law $\partial_t \alpha + \mathrm{div}(\boldsymbol{u}f(\alpha)) = 0$ in two and three spatial dimensions with an initial data of bounded variation is established. We assume that the divergence of the velocity $\mathrm{div}(\boldsymbol{u})$ is of bounded variation instead of the classical assumption that $\mathrm{div}(\boldsymbol{u})$ is zero. The finite volume schemes analysed in this article are set on nonuniform Cartesian grids. A uniform bounded variation estimate for finite volume solutions of the conservation law $\partial_t \alpha + \mathrm{div}(\boldsymbol{F}(t,\boldsymbol{x},\alpha)) = 0$, where $\mathrm{div}_{\boldsymbol{x}}\boldsymbol{F} \not=0$ on nonuniform Cartesian grids is also proved. Such an estimate provides compactness for finite volume approximations in $L^p$ spaces, which is essential to prove the existence of a solution for a partial differential equation with nonlinear terms in $\alpha$, when the uniqueness of the solution is not available. This application is demonstrated by establishing the existence of a weak solution for a model that describes the evolution of initial stages of breast cancer proposed by S. J. Franks et al. [14]. The model consists of four coupled variables: tumour cell concentration, tumour cell velocity--pressure, and nutrient concentration, which are governed by a hyperbolic conservation law, viscous Stokes system, and Poisson equation, respectively. Results from numerical tests are provided and they complement theoretical findings.