SOLVING NONSTIFF ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS - STATE OF ART

The characteristics and capabilities of the best codes for solving the initial value problem for ordinary differential equations are studied. The aim is to assist the person who wants to install a high quality code for the initial value problem for ordinary differential equations at his computer center, and to acquaint other interested persons with the characteristics and capabilities of the best software for this problem. Only codes which are readily available, portable, and very efficient are examined. Their sources, distinctive features, documentation, and ease of use are described. Their efficiency is compared with respect to storage, overhead, and derivative evaluations. Their behavior when faced with difficult problems is studied. Some guidelines are developed as to when a particular code is to be preferred. 23 refs.