An efficient computational algorithm for the initial value problem associated with the universal Y functions

Abstract

AbstractIn the present paper, an efficient iterative method of arbitrary integer order of convergent ≥2 based on the homotopy continuation techniques for the solution of the initial value problem of space dynamics using the universal Y functions is presented. The method is of dynamic nature in the sense that, ongoing from one iterative scheme to the subsequent one, only additional instruction is needed. Most importantly, the method does not need any prior knowledge of the initial guess. This is a property which avoids the critical situations between divergent to very slow convergent solutions that may exist in other numerical methods which depend on initial guesses. A computational package for digital implementation of the method is given, together with numerical applications for elliptic, hyperbolic, and parabolic orbits. The accuracy of the results for all orbits is O(10–16). (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)