A comparison of approximate non-linear Riemann solvers for Relativistic MHD

ABSTRACT We compare a particular selection of approximate solutions of the Riemann problem in the context of ideal relativistic magnetohydrodynamics. In particular, we focus on Riemann solvers not requiring a full eigenvector structure. Such solvers recover the solution of the Riemann problem by solving a simplified or reduced set of jump conditions, whose level of complexity depends on the intermediate modes that are included. Five different approaches – namely the HLL, HLLC, HLLD, HLLEM, and GFORCE schemes – are compared in terms of accuracy and robustness against one – and multidimensional standard numerical benchmarks. Our results demonstrate that – for weak or moderate magnetizations – the HLLD Riemann solver yields the most accurate results, followed by HLLC solver(s). The GFORCE approach provides a valid alternative to the HLL solver being less dissipative and equally robust for strongly magnetized environments. Finally, our tests show that the HLLEM Riemann solver is not cost-effective in improving the accuracy of the solution and reducing the numerical dissipation.