Implicit-explicit methods for a class of nonlinear nonlocal gradient flow equations modelling collective behaviour (Q2311811)

The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the advantages of implicit-explicit (IMEX) schemes for the numerical solution of the nonlinear convection-diffusion equations with nonlocal flux and gradient flow structure. Through a series of numerical examples, efficiency of the implicit-explicit Runge-Kutta (IMEX-RK) schemes is confirmed in terms of error reduction versus CPU time over the available explicit scheme for such models in [\textit{J. A. Carrillo} et al., Commun. Comput. Phys. 17, No. 1, 233-258 (2015; Zbl 1388.65077)]. It was shown that the CFL condition is well defined for the IMEX-RK schemes, i.e., the algebraic systems arising within each time step are uniquely solvable with non-negative solutions, that ensure positivity preserving behavior of the Euler IMEX-RK scheme. The algebraic equations within each iteration are handled with a damped linear solver. The efficiency of the IMEX-RK scheme is confirmed for the one-dimensional case by comparing it with a reference solution. Five numerical examples are presented for one-dimensional problems, motivated by models of collective behavior and the numerical results are compared with those in the literature