Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2020 / ii / Paper 4 / 39B / a / Solution

The one-dimensional Isentropic Euler equations areDefine the Riemann invariants for one-dimensional isentropic flowCombining the two equations directly givesso $R_{\pm }$ is constant on the corresponding characteristic curve $dx/dt=u\pm c$.

Initially both invariant disturbances are supported in $0\le x\le L$. Once the two characteristic families have separated, the left-moving packet is a simple wave with $R_{+}$ at its equilibrium value, while the right-moving packet is a simple wave with $R_{-}$ at equilibrium. Between and outside them, both invariants retain their equilibrium values. The schematic spacetime diagram below uses the equilibrium slopes $\pm c_0$ and shows separation after $t=L/(2c_0)$.