Good Tips to Solve Non-Linear ODE

[JoPe]

Hi!
I am trying to demonstrate a solver for non-linear ODE an wonder if anyone has got a tip on one which is non-trivial to solve, and has some significance to some people so that maybe someone will read my report =)

If you got a good tip, thank you very much!

 

[Matthew Rodman]

How about this Riccati equation:

y^{\prime} + y^2 + \alpha(x) = 0

(where alpha is an arbitrary function of x, and y = y(x) as well). This has no general solution (as far as I know) -- and it is very important. If you can provide an analytic solution to this, then fame and fortune is yours. ;-)

 

[JoPe]

Thank you, i will look into that one. Although it is not an analytical solution i am working with, but a numerical. If i am not mistaking the analytical method for solving them are already known?

 

[Matthew Rodman]

Sorry, I misunderstood -- the equation I quoted has no known general solution (analytical), but I suspect there are many numerical methods already associated with it. If you apply your method, you should then do a survey on the web of other numerical techniques applied this class of equations, and then compare results.