A Spectral Method in Time for Initial-Value Problems

A time-spectral method for solution of initial value partial differential equations is outlined. Multivariate Chebyshev series are used to represent all temporal, spatial and physical parameter domains in this generalized weighted residual method (GWRM). The approximate solutions obtained are thus analytical, finite order multivariate polynomials. The method avoids time step limitations. To determine the spectral coefficients, a system of algebraic equations is solved iteratively. A root solver, with excellent global convergence properties, has been developed. Accuracy and efficiency are controlled by the number of included Chebyshev modes and by use of temporal and spatial subdomains. As examples of advanced application, stability problems within ideal and resistive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) are solved. To introduce the method, solutions to a stiff ordinary differential equation are demonstrated and discussed. Subsequently, the GWRM is applied to the Burger and forced wave equations. Comparisons with the explicit Lax-Wendroff and implicit Crank-Nicolson finite difference methods show that the method is accurate and efficient. Thus the method shows potential for advanced initial value problems in fluid mechanics and MHD.