RKC: An explicit solver for parabolic PDEs (Q1385052)

An explicit Runge-Kutta-Chebychev algorithm for parabolic partial differential equations is discussed, implemented and tested. This method exploits some remarkable properties of a class of Runge-Kutta formulas of Chebychev type, proposed almost 20 year ago by \textit{P. J. van der Houwen} and \textit{B. P. Sommeijer} [Z. Angew. Math. Mech. 60, 479-485 (1980; Zbl 0455.65052)]. An \(s\)-stage \((s\geq 2)\) method is discussed and analytical expressions for its coefficients are derived. An interesting property of this family makes it possible for the algorithm to select at each step the most efficient stable formula and the most efficient time-step. Various computational results and comparisons with other methods are provided.