Derivation of Lax-Wendroff finite volume scheme

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the finite volume version of the Lax-Wendroff scheme for solving partial differential equations (PDEs). The key equations include the average flux through the volume, represented as $$\hat{u}=\frac{1}{\Delta x}\int_{x_{i-1/2}}^{x_{i+1/2}}u\thinspace dx$$ and the update formula $$\hat{u}_j^{n+1}=\hat{u}_j^n - \frac{\Delta t}{\Delta x}(F_{j+1/2}^n-F_{j-1/2}^n)$$. The discussion highlights the challenge of transitioning from finite difference methods to finite volume methods, particularly in expressing the spatial derivatives and average fluxes correctly. Participants seek clarity on the derivation process and specific steps to achieve the finite volume formulation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of partial differential equations (PDEs)
  • Familiarity with finite volume methods
  • Knowledge of Taylor series expansions in numerical analysis
  • Experience with flux calculations in computational fluid dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Lax-Wendroff scheme in finite difference methods
  • Learn about the application of Taylor series in numerical PDE solutions
  • Research finite volume method implementations in software like OpenFOAM
  • Explore the role of flux measurements in computational fluid dynamics
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Mathematicians, numerical analysts, and engineers involved in computational fluid dynamics and numerical methods for PDEs will benefit from this discussion.

fahraynk
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I'm trying to figure out how the finite volume version of Lax-Wendroff scheme is derived.

Here is the PDE and Lax-Wendfroff scheme, assume initial conditions are given:
$$u=\text{function of x,t}\\\hat{u}=\frac{1}{\Delta x}\int_{x_{i-1/2}}^{x_{i+1/2}}u\thinspace dx \text{ (the average flux through volume)}$$
$$\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}=-\frac{\partial f(u)}{\partial x}\rightarrow \\\hat{u}_j^{n+1}=\hat{u}_j^n - \frac{\Delta t}{\Delta x}(F_{j+1/2}^n-F_{j-1/2}^n)\\
F_{j+1/2}=\frac{1}{2}\thinspace (f_{j+1}+f_j)-\frac{1}{2}\thinspace a^2_{j+1/2}\frac{\Delta t}{\Delta x}\thinspace (\hat{u}_{j+1}-\hat{u}_j)\\
a_{j+1/2}=\begin{cases}
\frac{f_{j+1}-f_j}{\hat{u}_{j+1}-\hat{u}_j} & if \enspace \hat{u}_{j+1}\neq \hat{u}_j \\
f'(u_j) & if \enspace \hat{u}_{j+1}=\hat{u}_j
\end{cases}$$

I know that in a finite difference Lax-Wendroff is derived from the original PDE and a taylors expansion like this :

$$u_t=-cu_x \rightarrow u_{tt}=c^2u_{xx}\\
\text {taylors expansion :}\thinspace u(t+\Delta t, x)= u+\Delta t\thinspace u_t + \frac{\Delta t^2}{2}u_{tt} \rightarrow \\u^{m+1}_n=u^m_n-c\Delta t \thinspace u_x+\frac{c^2\Delta t^2}{2}u_{xx}$$

I know in finite volume we are measuring the average flux of ##u##, so I attempt to get the equation into the right form using ##\hat{u}## by dividing by ##\Delta x## and taking an integral with respect to x.

$$\hat{u}_n^{m+1}=\hat{u}_n^m-\frac{c\Delta t}{\Delta x}(u(x_{i+1/2},t)-u(x_{i-1/2},t)+\frac{c^2\Delta t^2}{2\Delta x^2}u_x|_{x_{i-1/2}}^{x_{i+1/2}}$$ Not sure what to do though from here.

I also tried just expanding ##f## like this :
$$
f(u(x+\frac{\Delta x}{2}))=f(u(x))+\frac{\Delta x}{2}f_u u_x+(\frac{\Delta x}{2})^2(f_{uu}u_x^2+f_u u_{xx})
$$

I don't see where this is going either. I just can't find it derived after a ton of google searching. Can anyone show me or link me to a derivation?
 
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In Lax-Wendoff, isn't the spatial derivative approximated by ##\frac{f_{j+1}-f_{j-1}}{2\Delta x}##?
 

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