Spline solutions of first order delay differential equations (Q2565421)

The author describes a new polynomial spline function for approximating the solution of a first-order delay differential equation. An estimate of the arising errors is given, convergence of the method is established and an analysis of the stability properties of the method is presented. Relevant theory relating to the existence and uniqueness of spline functions is stated. Two existing numerical approaches using different forms of one-step spline functions (a polynomial spline function and one of integral form) are considered and a numerical comparison of the errors arising from the three methods, using an example with a known exact solution, is made. The author concludes that the recursive nature of the algorithm for the new method makes it more efficient in terms of computational time.