Low order practical Runge-Kutta-Nyström methods (Q1082044)

Runge-Kutta-Nyström formulas applicable to the general second order vector initial value problem, \(y''=f(x,y,y')\), are presented. Two families of computational methods requiring five and six evaluations of the function, f, per integration step are derived. The methods consist of embedded formulas of adjacent order for the solution and its first derivative. This permits a stepping strategy based on error estimates of all components of the numerical solution. From each family of methods a member considered to have good numerical properties has been selected. Some comparisons of these specific new methods with conventional Runge- Kutta techniques have been made, and the Nyström methods studied here seem to be competitive with some of the best Runge-Kutta methods currently in use.