A simple adaptive technique for nonlinear wave problems (Q1107965)

Numerical integration of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation of the form \[ iu_ t+u_{xx}+q| u| \quad 2u=0,\quad -\infty <x<\infty,\quad 0\leq t\leq T,\quad u(x,0)=u_ 0(x) \] (q is a given constant, u complex) is described using a method with variable time steps and a moving spatial grid. The time step control employs the technique by \textit{L. F. Shampine} and \textit{M. K. Gordon} [Computer Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations. The initial value problem (1975; Zbl 0347.65001)] and the grid movement is based on a modification of the procedure by \textit{A. B. White} [SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 19, 683-697 (1982; Zbl 0481.65055)]. The White technique is reviewed. The present procedure is applied to a general one-dimensional system of partial differential equations and to the above cubic Schrödinger equation. The space/time adaptive algorithm is tested experimentally to describe the single soliton solution and the bound state of three solitons.