Solution of nonlinear partial differential equations using the Chebyshev spectral method (Q1185500)

The spectral method is a powerful numerical technique for solving engineering differential equations. The method is a specialization of the method of weighted residuals. Trial functions that are easily and exactly differentiable are used. Often the functions used also satisfy an orthogonality equation, which can improve the efficiency of the approximation. Generally, the entire domain is modeled, but multiple sub- domains may be used. A Chebyshev-collocation spectral method is used to solve a two-dimensional, highly nonlinear, two parameter Bratu's equation. This equation previously assumed to have only symmetric solutions are shown to have regions where solutions that are non- symmetric in \(x\) and \(y\) are valid. Away from these regions an accurate and efficient technique for tracking the equation's multi-valued solutions was developed. It is found that the accuracy of the present method is very good, with a significant improvement in computer time.