An implicit-explicit local method for parabolic partial differential equations

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this article is to derive an implicit-explicit local differential transform method (IELDTM) in dealing with the spatial approximation of the stiff advection-diffusion-reaction (ADR) equations. Design/methodology/approach A direction-free numerical approach based on local Taylor series representations is designed for the ADR equations. The differential equations are directly used for determining the local Taylor coefficients and the required degrees of freedom is minimized. The complete system of algebraic equations is constructed with explicit/implicit continuity relations with respect to direction parameter. Time integration of the ADR equations is continuously utilized with the Chebyshev spectral collocation method. Findings The IELDTM is proven to be a robust, high order, stability preserved and versatile numerical technique for spatial discretization of the stiff partial differential equations (PDEs). It is here theoretically and numerically shown that the order refinement (p-refinement) procedure of the IELDTM does not affect the degrees of freedom, and thus the IELDTM is an optimum numerical method. A priori error analysis of the proposed algorithm is done, and the order conditions are determined with respect to the direction parameter. Originality/value The IELDTM overcomes the known disadvantages of the differential transform-based methods by providing reliable convergence properties. The IELDTM is not only improving the existing Taylor series-based formulations but also provides several advantages over the finite element method (FEM) and finite difference method (FDM). The IELDTM offers better accuracy, even when using far less degrees of freedom, than the FEM and FDM. It is proven that the IELDTM produces solutions for the advection-dominated cases with the optimum degrees of freedom without producing an undesirable oscillation.