A mathematical model for flow field with condensation discontinuity: One-dimensional Euler equations with singular sources

Condensation induces both heat addition and mass consumption effects on the carrier flow field, leading to complex wave patterns. In this study, we aim to elucidate the structures of flow field under the influence of condensation. To achieve this, we present a mathematical model, which is formulated using Euler equations with a singular source term. Given the difficulties posed by both weak solution theory and the Dal Maso–LeFloch–Murat (DLM) theory (J. Math. Pures Appl. 483-548 (1995)) in defining solutions to the Riemann problem, we propose a novel approach. This involves the coupling of weak solutions within two subregions, taking into consideration the discontinuity of source term. Firstly, we identify two stationary discontinuities originating from the singular source term—namely, stationary waves and composite waves. Admissibility criterions are developed for these discontinuities to facilitate the selection of physically meaningful solutions. Secondly, we employ a double classical Riemann problems (CRPs) framework to analyze the structures of Riemann solution. Our analysis reveals that the Riemann solution may exhibit seven structures with stationary wave and four structures with composite wave. Finally, the proposed model and its theoritical results are applied to validate the structure of the flow field with condensation discontinuities. For the pure heat addition problem, we successfully demonstrate all wave patterns of the flow field, perfectly matching the outcomes of numerical experiments.