Finding the Initial Point for Runge Kutta 4th Order

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Runge-Kutta 4th order method to generate points between two specified points A and B in a two-dimensional space. Participants explore how to select an initial point for this numerical method, particularly focusing on ensuring the trajectory moves from A to B.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting at point A as the initial point to generate a sequence of points towards B.
  • Another participant questions how to ensure the Runge-Kutta method progresses specifically from A to B, implying a need for a relation or formula to connect these points.
  • A different participant expresses confusion about the original question, seeking clarification on whether the goal is to fill in the graph between the x-values of A and B.
  • One participant proposes that the problem may relate to boundary conditions, noting that there is no numerical formula to guarantee that an initial point will yield a solution passing through B, but suggests that varying initial points could approximate B closely.
  • There is mention of the possibility of applying a backward solution from B to A if the differential equation is not singular at B.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views on how to approach the problem of selecting an initial point for the Runge-Kutta method to ensure it moves from A to B.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the relationship between initial points and the resulting trajectory, as well as the implications of boundary conditions on the numerical method.

sos 2011
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi guys

I have two points A and B (in 2 dimensions) and want to use runge kutta 4th order to give me points between these two points starting from A __> B (NOT B___> A). How can I choose the initial point then.

Cheers,:smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Perhaps I am misunderstanding but if you want a sequence of points going from A to B, then you would start at A. Take your initial point to be A.
 
If I have 3 points A,B,C and want to know the points between A and B, how can I force the runge kutta to go from A to B not anywhere? I think there is a relation formula can connect A and B and consider it as an initial point. Any idea?
 
I don't quite understand what you are asking. Are you saying you have an interval
[A, B]
and you want to fill in the graph between these x values?

I don't see how your saying a Runge Kutta method would go "anywhere"? It has to follow the differential equations you have.

EDIT:
If I remember correctly, to apply Runge Kutta you start with the location of the given initial condition, and then iterate from there.
 
Last edited:
I think the OP is asking about a boundary problem, such that the solution is "fixed" not only at the initial point A but also at the "boundary point" B. Generally speaking there is no numerical "formula" to ensure that an initial point A(i) is going to yield the solution that also goes through B. A useful theorem states that the mapping of the initial points A(1), A(2), ... to the corresponding sequence of points B(1), B(2), ... near B is continuous, so you should be able to approximate B to a high degree of precision by trying out different values of A. Also, if your diff. eq. is not singular at B then you can try a backward solution from B to A.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 65 ·
3
Replies
65
Views
9K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K