Numerical model for nonlinear standing waves and weak shocks in thermoviscous fluids
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Updated: Oct 5, 2026

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
1E.S.C.E.T. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain. c.vanhille@escet.urjc.es
Abstract:
Nonlinear standing waves in a one-dimensional tube are studied numerically by using a finite-difference algorithm. The numerical code models the acoustic field in resonators for homogeneous, thermoviscous fluids. Calculations are performed exclusively in the time domain, and all harmonic components are obtained by one resolution. The fully nonlinear differential equation is written in Lagrangian coordinates. It is solved without truncation. Effects of absorption are included. Displacement and pressure wave forms are calculated at different locations and results are shown for different excitation levels and tube lengths. Amplitude distributions along the resonator axis for every harmonic component are also evaluated. Simulations are performed for amplitudes ranging from linear to strongly nonlinear and weak shock. A very good concordance with classic experimental and analytical results is obtained.
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