Difference Methods For Initial Value Problems

This book introduces finite difference methods for both ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs) and discusses the similarities and differences between algorithm design and stability analysis for different types of equations. A unified view of stability theory for ODEs and PDEs is presented, and the interplay between ODE and PDE analysis is stressed. The text emphasizes standard classical methods, but several newer approaches also are introduced and are described in the context of simple motivating examples.

Numerical Methods for Ordinary Differential Equations is a self-contained introduction to a fundamental field of numerical analysis and scientific computation. Written for undergraduate students with a mathematical background, this book focuses on the analysis of numerical methods without losing sight of the practical nature of the subject. It covers the topics traditionally treated in a first course, but also highlights new and emerging themes. Chapters are broken down into `lecture' sized pieces, motivated and illustrated by numerous theoretical and computational examples. Over 200 exercises are provided and these are starred according to their degree of difficulty. Solutions to all exercises are available to authorized instructors. The book covers key foundation topics: o Taylor series methods o Runge--Kutta methods o Linear multistep methods o Convergence o Stability and a range of modern themes: o Adaptive stepsize selection o Long term dynamics o Modified equations o Geometric integration o Stochastic differential equations The prerequisite of a basic university-level calculus class is assumed, although appropriate background results are also summarized in appendices. A dedicated website for the book containing extra information can be found via www.springer.com

Since the appearance of computers, numerical methods for discontinuous solutions of quasi-linear hyperbolic systems of partial differential equations have been among the most important research subjects in numerical analysis. The authors have developed a new difference method (named the singularity-separating method) for quasi-linear hyperbolic systems of partial differential equations. Its most important feature is that it possesses a high accuracy even for problems with singularities such as schocks, contact discontinuities, rarefaction waves and detonations. Besides the thorough description of the method itself, its mathematical foundation (stability-convergence theory of difference schemes for initial-boundary-value hyperbolic problems) and its application to supersonic flow around bodies are discussed. Further, the method of lines and its application to blunt body problems and conical flow problems are described in detail. This book should soon be an important working basis for both graduate students and researchers in the field of partial differential equations as well as in mathematical physics.

Construction of Integration Formulas for Initial Value Problems provides practice-oriented insights into the numerical integration of initial value problems for ordinary differential equations. It describes a number of integration techniques, including single-step methods such as Taylor methods, Runge-Kutta methods, and generalized Runge-Kutta methods. It also looks at multistep methods and stability polynomials. Comprised of four chapters, this volume begins with an overview of definitions of important concepts and theorems that are relevant to the construction of numerical integration methods for initial value problems. It then turns to a discussion of how to convert two-point and initial boundary value problems for partial differential equations into initial value problems for ordinary differential equations. The reader is also introduced to stiff differential equations, partial differential equations, matrix theory and functional analysis, and non-linear equations. The order of approximation of the single-step methods to the differential equation is considered, along with the convergence of a consistent single-step method. There is an explanation on how to construct integration formulas with adaptive stability functions and how to derive the most important stability polynomials. Finally, the book examines the consistency, convergence, and stability conditions for multistep methods. This book is a valuable resource for anyone who is acquainted with introductory calculus, linear algebra, and functional analysis.