High-Resolution Finite Volume Methods for Dusty Gas Jets and Plumes
Abstract
We consider a model for dusty gas flow that consists of the compressible Euler
equations for the gas coupled to a similar (but pressureless) system of equations for the mass,
momentum, and energy of the dust. These sets of equations are coupled via drag terms and heat
transfer. A high-resolution wave-propagation algorithm is used to solve the equations numerically.
The one-dimensional algorithm is shown to give agreement with a shock tube test problem in the
literature. The two-dimensional algorithm has been applied to model explosive volcanic eruptions in
which an axisymmetric jet of hot dusty gas is injected into the atmosphere and the expected behavior
is observed at two different vent velocities. The methodology described here, with extensions to
three dimensions and adaptive mesh refinement, is being used for more detailed studies of volcanic
jet processes.