Nonlinear theory of the compressible gas flows over a nonuniform boundary in the gravitational field in the shallow-water approximation

A set of equations is derived for the motion of a compressible ideal gas over a nonuniform boundary in the gravitational field in the shallow-water approximation. Classical simple waves are shown not to be the solutions to this set of equations. Generalized simple waves are found to exist only in the case of a linear underlying-surface profile. All continuous and discontinuous solutions are obtained in an explicit form for the case of the boundary in the form of an inclined plane, and an analytical solution is found for the problem of the decay of an arbitrary discontinuity. This solution consists of four wave configurations. Necessary and sufficient conditions are determined for the existence of each configuration.