Newton–Raphson method - Finite difference method

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the application of the Newton-Raphson method in conjunction with the finite difference method for solving nonlinear differential equations. Participants explore the theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of these methods, particularly in the context of implicit versus explicit finite difference approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks literature on using the Newton-Raphson method with finite difference methods for nonlinear differential equations.
  • Another participant clarifies that finite difference methods can solve both linear and nonlinear ordinary differential equations, but emphasizes that the Newton-Raphson method is typically used for nonlinear algebraic equations, not directly for differential equations.
  • This participant notes that Newton-Raphson may be necessary within implicit finite difference methods to solve for current time-steps based on previous values.
  • A different participant suggests using finite difference approximations for derivatives in the Newton-Raphson method, providing a specific example with a quadratic function and discussing convergence benefits.
  • Additional resources are shared by participants, including links to literature on the Newton-Raphson method.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the integration of the Newton-Raphson method with finite difference methods, as participants express differing views on its applicability and necessity based on the type of finite difference method used (implicit vs. explicit).

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various finite difference methods and their suitability for different types of differential equations, indicating that the choice of method may depend on the specific problem being addressed. The discussion also highlights the potential for faster convergence using finite difference approximations for derivatives.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in numerical methods for solving differential equations, particularly those exploring the integration of different mathematical techniques in computational applications.

Excom
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Hi

I am trying to solve a nonlinear differential equation with the use of the finite difference method and the Newton-Raphson method. Is there anyone that knows where I can find some literature about the subject?

I am familiar with the use of the finite difference method, when solving linear differential equations. It is the Newton-Raphson method when using the finite difference method that is new for me.

Thanks in advance
 
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Hello Excom,

finite difference methods (simple one-step methods such as Euler, Trapezoid, Midpoint, or more complex multi-step methods like the Adams' families, or non-linear methods such as Runge-Kutta, etc etc) can ALL be used to solve both linear and non-linear ordinary differential equations (obviously depending on the kind of differential system there are methods that will perform better than others..) but they're all used for solving a general IVP of the form:

<br /> <br /> \left. \begin{array}{l}<br /> \frac {dy} {dx} = f(x,y) \\<br /> y( x_{0} ) = y_{0}<br /> \end{array} \right\} \mbox{ze IVP :p}<br /> <br />

(which may be a scalar equation or a system of equations), regardless of whether f is linear or not.

Newton-Raphson is for solving non-linear algebraic equations, not differential equations. You will have to use Newton-Raphson (or any other technique for solving non-linear equations) within your finite difference method if the said method is implicit, that is, to solve for the current time-step of the solution as a function of the values at previous time-steps. For example, Adams-Moulton methods are implicit so you will have to solve a non-linear algebraic equation (or system of equations) at each time-step. . . but Forward Euler or Trapezoid or even Runge-Kutta or Adams-Bashforth are all explicit difference methods, and there's no need to solve non-linear equations within the method, so no need for Newton-Raphson :)

If you're still interested in Newton-Raphson, there are loads of resources on the net, just search on google:) eg one link I found:
http://www.math.ubc.ca/~clarkson/Newtonmethod.pdf"

Hope I could be of help, good luck with your non-linear differential equation! xD
 
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Tanks for your help
 
please give me
 
In my case, you can approximate the denominator term,
f'(x)
with a forward, backward, or central difference.

So, just to elaborate, if you have,
f(x) = x^2
and,
f(x+h) = (x+h)^2
f(x-h) = (x-h)^2
for some small h (gridspace)

Then, using Central Difference your Newton-Raphson equation becomes,
x[i+1] = x - f(x)/f'(x)
= x - f(x) / ( (f(x+h)-f(x-h) )/(2*h) )
= x - x^2/( ( (x+h)^2 - (x-h)^2 ) / (2*h) )

For other example, e.g. f(x) = x^4 + x^3 + x + 5, I'm getting faster convergence via the finite difference version of f'(x) than using the analytical version of it.

I have not encounter any reference for this, but I don't see anything wrong with this.

All the best! :)
 
Take a look at this I don't know if it can help you :
www.firavia.com/Newton.pdf[/URL]
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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