A Parametric Interpolation Framework for 1D Scalar Conservation Laws using the Equal Area Principle

Abstract: In this paper we develop a novel framework for numerically solving scalar conservation laws in one space dimension. Utilizing the method of characteristics in conjunction with the equal area principle we develop an approach where the weak solution is obtained purely as the solution of a parametric interpolation problem. As this framework hinges on the validity of the equal area principle, we provide a rigorous discussion of the equal area principle and show that, indeed, the equal area principle is equivalent to the Rankine-Hugoniot condition, within the specific context studied in this paper. Combining these results with properties of the characteristic equations yields the desired setting to define the equivalent parametric interpolation problem. We conclude by applying this framework to Burgers' equation and show how one obtains machine precision in the shock position when the initial condition can be represented exactly in the chosen space of parametric polynomials.