On a variable time-step method for the one-dimensional Stefan problem (Q1111076)

Several variable time-step (VTS) methods have been suggested by various authors for the solution of the one-dimensional Stefan problem. All of these methods involve an iterative computation of the time-step for a given advancement of the moving boundary. During each iteration, a linear system of equations needs to be solved. Some modificationds of an existing VTS method due to \textit{R. S. Gupta} and \textit{D. Kumar} [(*) Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 24, 251-259 (1981; Zbl 0462.76095)] are presented in this paper. The modifications include the use of a tridiagonal solution of the linear system involved instead of a Gaussian elimination and the use of an integral relationship to improve the time step instead of the difference formula as in (*). The first modification yields increased efficiency while the second results in increased accuracy. Numerical results are presented for two problems.