Linearization methods for reaction-diffusion equations: 1-D problems (Q1126676)

The author presents linearized finite difference methods of different type for solving numerically nonlinear reaction-diffusion problems in one space dimension, \[ u_t-u_{xx} =f(u). \] Methods yielding fully discrete, spatially discrete and temporally discrete solutions, respective, are discussed. Starting point is the linearized, implicit \(\vartheta\)-method that is shown to be equivalent to Rosenbrock's or \(W\)-techniques, respective, depending on the employment of the Jacobian. Numerical tests for a system of two reaction-diffusion equations arising from the description of a simple isothermal chemical system complete the paper.