# C/++/# Numerical methods for system of ODES

1. May 29, 2016

### Themis

Hi there. I want to evolve a system of non linear coupled ODEs

$$\frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{-k}{x^5(56-y^8)^{9/2}}(85+y^{5} + y^{6})$$

$$\frac{dy}{dt} = \frac{-k}{x^4(56-y^5)^{7/2}}(44+y^2)$$

Let's say I have the initial conditions. What numerical method someone could use to solve this? adaptive step size like RK dormand prince method? I am a bit confused cause i tried some with no good results (maybe cause I am not good programmer, not of the method's fault)

2. May 29, 2016

### SteamKing

Staff Emeritus
What do you mean by the term "evolve"?

3. May 30, 2016

### Themis

Solve them numerically,Any suggestion due to the non linearity and the denominator?

4. May 30, 2016

### SteamKing

Staff Emeritus
Well, obviously you are going to have a problem if y5 = 58 or y8 = 58 or x = 0.

But the comment, "I tried some with no good result" doesn't really specify what has happened in your case.

5. May 30, 2016

### Themis

Yes I noticed that problem with the anomalies. What I don't understand is what method someone could use to numerical integrate this kind of equations. I understand that an adaptive step size method is best for this problem but there are a few and someone with experience could advise a method to approach the problem. I tried to use boost libraries (odeint) but the results are not good. When I run the program the output values seem not to change at all when they should be and the lack of experience doesn't help to find the problem. If you know how to use boost I cant show what I did.

6. May 30, 2016

### soarce

As first approach try to use Matlab ode45 function to integrate ODE and see what happens.
If you already have implemented a numerical method for solving ODE try to use it on known results to check that you code has no error.

7. May 31, 2016

### D H

Staff Emeritus
That's equivalent to what the OP already did. Matlab's ode45 uses Dormand Prince by default.

I would advise stepping back even further and checking where did those derivatives came from. The singularities in the derivatives are a bit suspect.

To the OP: What are the initial values for x and y, and what is k? If x>1 and 0<y<1, you're not going to see much movement. The derivatives are small because of the factors of 1/x^5 and 1/x^4. Moreover, those singularities at x=0, y=56^(1/8), and y=56^(1/5) make this a very stiff system.