Continuous finite element methods which preserve energy properties for nonlinear problems (Q753446)

This paper considers the general problem of developing numerical methods for ordinary and partial differential equations which preserve the time dependence of certain functionals (for example energy conservation). For example with \(\dot u+F'(u)=0,\quad u(0)\quad given,\) then \((*)\quad d/dt[\dot u^ 2+F(u)]=0\) and a method of solution can be obtained by a discretization which gives a discrete version of (*). More sophisticated examples considered include the Cahn-Hilliard equations, Klein-Gordon equations, Korteweg-de Vries equations and Schrödinger equations. Comparisons are made with existing schemes.