Alternative kernel functions for Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics in cylindrical symmetry

In this paper we present an alternative generic kernel function for use in Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) based methods. The alternative kernel has been implemented in a standard Cartesian description, and the results for the Sod shock tube problem is presented both with the alternative kernel and the traditional B-spline kernel. Kernels for cylindrically symmetric systems are developed based on fundamental interpolation theory for the cylindrical symmetry. A set of modified equations of motions are further derived through the use of Lagrangian formalism. Previous results have shown that the use of the traditional B-spline kernel function as a generic kernel implies that the cylindrically symmetric solution must be solved by table interpolation. By introducing an alternative generic kernel function, we derive simple analytical solution also for cylindrically symmetric systems. When compared to the B-spline function, the computational efficiency has been increased and the results improved. The results show good agreement with the analytical solution both for the Noh infinite shock problem and the Sedov point source explosion.