arXiv · gr-qc/0303063
A scalar hyperbolic equation with GR-type non-linearity
Abstract
We study a scalar hyperbolic partial differential equation with non-linear terms similar to those of the equations of general relativity. The equation has a number of non-trivial analytical solutions whose existence rely on a delicate balance between linear and non-linear terms. We formulate two classes of second-order accurate central-difference schemes, CFLN and MOL, for numerical integration of this equation. Solutions produced by the schemes converge to exact solutions at any fixed time $t$ when numerical resolution is increased. However, in certain cases integration becomes asymptotically unstable when $t$ is increased and resolution is kept fixed. This behavior is caused by subtle changes in the balance between linear and non-linear terms when the equation is discretized. Changes in the balance occur without violating second-order accuracy of discretization. We thus demonstrate that a second-order accuracy and convergence at finite $t$ do not guarantee a correct asymptotic behavior and long-term numerical stability. Accuracy and stability of integration are greatly improved by an exponential transformation of the unknown variable.
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A. M. Khokhlov, I. D. Novikov. 2003-03-19. A scalar hyperbolic equation with GR-type non-linearity. https://doi.org/10.1142/s0218271803004390
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