The evaluation of numerical techniques for solution of stiff ordinary differential equations arising from chemical kinetic problems

Abstract

Ordinary differential equations with widely scattered eigenvalues (stiff O.D.E.'s) occur often in the studies of reaction network problems. Five numerical methods, including two methods based on Backward differentiation formulas, a modified Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method, a method based on PECE Adams formulas, and an improved semi-implicit Euler method are evaluated by comparing their performance when applied to test systems. The test systems represent different combinations of linearity and nonlinearity, small and large dimension, real and complex eigenvalues, and slightly stiff and very stiff problems. The relative merits and dificiencies of the methods are discussed.