Nonstandard finite difference schemes for Michaelis–Menten type reaction‐diffusion equations

We compare and investigate the performance of the exact scheme of the Michaelis–Menten (M–M) ordinary differential equation with several new nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) schemes that we construct using Mickens' rules. Furthermore, the exact scheme of the M–M equation is used to design several dynamically consistent NSFD schemes for related reaction‐diffusion equations, advection‐reaction equations, and advection‐reaction‐diffusion equations. Numerical simulations that support the theory and demonstrate computationally the power of NSFD schemes are presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2013     

A non‐standard finite difference scheme for an advection‐diffusion‐reaction equation

In this note, a non‐standard finite difference (NSFD) scheme is proposed for an advection‐diffusion‐reaction equation with nonlinear reaction term. We first study the diffusion‐free case of this equation, that is, an advection‐reaction equation. Two exact finite difference schemes are constructed for the advection‐reaction equation by the method of characteristics. As these exact schemes are complicated and are not convenient to use, an NSFD scheme is derived from the exact scheme. Then, the NSFD scheme for the advection‐reaction equation is combined with a finite difference space‐approximation of the diffusion term to provide a NSFD scheme for the advection‐diffusion‐reaction equation. This new scheme could preserve the fixed points, the positivity, and the boundedness of the solution of the original equation. Numerical experiments verify the validity of our analytical results. Copyright © 2014 JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamics of a nonstandard finite-difference scheme for delay differential equations with unimodal feedback

In this article, by a nonstandard finite-difference (NSFD) scheme we study the dynamics of the delay differential equation with unimodal feedback. First, under three cases local stability of the equilibria is discussed according to Schur polynomial and Hopf bifurcation theory of discrete system. Then, the explicit algorithms for determining the direction of the Hopf bifurcation and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions are derived, using the normal form method and center manifold theorem. In Section 4, numerical example using Nicholson’s blowflies equation is provided to illustrate the theoretical results. Finally, it demonstrates significant superiority of nonstandard finite-difference scheme than Euler method under the means of describing approximately the dynamics of the original system.     

Numerical treatment for nonlinear Brusselator chemical model

Nowadays, numerical models have great importance in every field of science, especially for solving the nonlinear differential equations, partial differential equations, biochemical reactions, etc. The total time evolution of the reactant species which interacts with other species is simulated by the Runge-Kutta of order four (RK4) and by Non-Standard finite difference (NSFD) method. A NSFD model has been constructed for the biochemical reaction problem and numerical experiments are performed for different values of discretization parameter h. The results are compared with the well-known numerical scheme, i.e. RK4. The developed scheme NSFD gives better results than RK4.     

Numerical solutions of Burgers–Huxley equation by exact finite difference and NSFD schemes

In this paper, numerical solution of the Burgers–Huxley (BH) equation is presented based on the nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) scheme. At first, two exact finite difference schemes for BH equation obtained. Moreover an NSFD scheme is presented for this equation. The positivity, boundedness and local truncation error of the scheme are discussed. Finally, the numerical results of the proposed method with those of some available methods compared.     

Nonstandard finite difference method revisited and application to the Ebola virus disease transmission dynamics

We provide effective and practical guidelines on the choice of the complex denominator function of the discrete derivative as well as on the choice of the nonlocal approximation of nonlinear terms in the construction of nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) schemes. Firstly, we construct nonstandard one-stage and two-stage theta methods for a general dynamical system defined by a system of autonomous ordinary differential equations. We provide a sharp condition, which captures the dynamics of the continuous model. We discuss at length how this condition is pivotal in the construction of the complex denominator function. We show that the nonstandard theta methods are elementary stable in the sense that they have exactly the same fixed-points as the continuous model and they preserve their stability, irrespective of the value of the step size. For more complex dynamical systems that are dissipative, we identify a class of nonstandard theta methods that replicate this property. We apply the first part by considering a dynamical system that models the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The formulation of the model involves both the fast/direct and slow/indirect transmission routes. Using the specific structure of the EVD model, we show that, apart from the guidelines in the first part, the nonlocal approximation of nonlinear terms is guided by the productive-destructive structure of the model, whereas the choice of the denominator function is based on the conservation laws and the sub-equations that are associated with the model. We construct a NSFD scheme that is dynamically consistent with respect to the properties of the continuous model such as: positivity and boundedness of solutions; local and/or global asymptotic stability of disease-free and endemic equilibrium points; dependence of the severity of the infection on self-protection measures. Throughout the paper, we provide numerical simulations that support the theory.     

Stability properties of a nonstandard finite difference scheme for a hantavirus epidemic model

This paper studies the stability properties of a nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) scheme used to simulate the dynamics of a mouse population model in hantavirus epidemics. It is shown that this difference scheme and the underlying system of differential equations have the same dynamics. The proof uses the fact that the total population obeys the logistic equation, as well as techniques from calculus, graphical analysis, and dynamical systems.     

Analysis of and numerical schemes for a mouse population model in Hantavirus epidemics

This paper considers a non-linear system of ordinary differential equations, which arises in the study of hantavirus epidemics. The system has the property that the total population obeys the logistic equation. For this system, we use linearization and the dynamical properties of the logistic equation to analyze the dynamics of the subpopulation system. In view of the usual numerical instabilities associated with standard finite difference methods used for simulating such systems, we construct non-standard finite difference (NSFD) schemes, which preserve the dynamic properties of the system, and may therefore be used for its simulation.     

A note on an NSFD scheme for a mathematical model of respiratory virus transmission

We construct a non-standard finite difference (NSFD) scheme for an SIRS mathematical model of respiratory virus transmission. This discretization is in full compliance with the NSFD methodology as formulated by Mickens. By use of an exact conservation law satisfied by the SIRS differential equations, we are able to determine the corresponding denominator function for the discrete first-order time derivatives. Our scheme is dynamically consistent with the SIRS differential equations, since the conservation laws are preserved. Furthermore, the scheme is shown to satisfy a positivity condition for its solutions for all values of the time step size.     

An Improved Theta-method for Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations

The / -method of order 1 or 2 (if / =1/2) is often used for the numerical solution of systems of ordinary differential equations. In the particular case of linear constant coefficient stiff systems the constraint 1/2 h / h 1, which excludes the explicit forward Euler method, is essential for the method to be A -stable. Moreover, unless / =1/2, this method is not elementary stable in the sense that its fixed-points do not display the linear stability properties of the fixed-points of the involved differential equation. We design a non-standard version of the / -method of the same order. We prove a result on the elementary stability of the new method, irrespective of the value of the parameter / ] [0,1]. Some absolute elementary stability properties pertinent to stiffness are discussed.     

Optimized composite finite difference schemes for atmospheric flow modeling

In this paper, we use some finite difference methods in order to solve an atmospheric flow problem described by an advection–diffusion equation. This flow problem was solved by Clancy using forward‐time central space (FTCS) scheme and is challenging to simulate due to large errors in phase and amplitude which are generated especially over long propagation times. Clancy also derived stability limits for FTCS scheme. We use Von Neumann stability analysis and the approach of Hindmarsch et al. which is an improved technique over that of Clancy in order to obtain the region of stability of some methods such as FTCS, Lax–Wendroff (LW), Crank–Nicolson. We also construct a nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) scheme. Properties like stability and consistency are studied. To improve the results due to significant numerical dispersion or numerical dissipation, we derive a new composite scheme consisting of three applications of LW followed by one application of NSFD. The latter acts like a filter to remove the dispersive oscillations from LW. We further improve the composite scheme by computing the optimal temporal step size at a given spatial step size using two techniques namely; by minimizing the square of dispersion error and by minimizing the sum of squares of dispersion and dissipation errors.     

Uniqueness theorems for meromorphic functions concerning fixed-points

In this article, we deal with the uniqueness problems on meromorphic functions concerning differential polynomials that share fixed-points. Moreover, we greatly improve a former result.     

Numerical bifurcation control of Mackey–Glass system

In this paper, a mathematical physiological model, Mackey–Glass system of a delay differential equation, is considered. With a greater delay, a periodic solution arises, which characterizes the disease of chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL). To treat such disease, a blood transfusion feedback control is considered, from the point of view of mathematical control. By using a nonstandard finite-difference (NSFD) scheme to the control system, we obtain a numerical discrete system and analyze its Neimark–Sacker and fold bifurcations. The results imply that the condition of the illness could be relieved by transfusing blood to the patient, if the control is a delay control. Finally, the effectiveness of the control are illustrated by several numerical simulations.     

A predator-prey model with Beddington-DeAngelis functional response: a non-standard finite-difference method

In this paper, we transform a continuous-time predator-prey model with Beddington–DeAngelis functional response into a discrete-time model by nonstandard finite difference scheme (NSFD). The NSFD model shows complete dynamic consistency with its continuous counterpart for any step size. However, the discrete model of same continuous system obtained by Euler forward method shows dynamic inconsistency for larger step size. Extensive numerical simulations have been done to compare the dynamics of NSFD system and Euler system. Our analysis reveals that dynamics of NSFD model is independent of the step-size, whereas the dynamics of the standard discrete model completely depends on the step-size and produces spurious dynamics like chaos.     

Non-standard finite difference method applied to an initial boundary value problem describing hepatitis B virus infection

In this paper, two non-standard finite difference (NSFD) schemes are proposed for a mathematical model of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with spatial dependence. The dynamic properties of the obtained discretized systems are completely analyzed. Relying on the theory of M-matrix, we prove that the proposed NSFD schemes is unconditionally positive. Furthermore, we establish that the NSFD method used preserves all constant steady states of the corresponding continuous initial boundary value problem (IBVP) model. We prove that the conditions for those equilibria to be asymptotically stable are consistent with the continuous IBVP model independently of the numerical grid size. The global asymptotical properties of the HBV-free equilibrium of the proposed NSFD schemes are derived via the construction of a suitable discrete Lyapunov function, and coincides with the continuous system. This confirms that the discretized models are dynamically consistent since they maintain essential properties of the corresponding continuous IBVP model. Finally, numerical simulations are performed from which it is demonstrated that the proposed NSFD method is advantageous over the standard finite difference (SFD) method.     

A new approach to numerical solution of fixed-point problems and its application to delay differential equations

In this paper we consider a certain approximation of fixed-points of a continuous operator A mapping the metric space into itself by means of finite dimensional ε(h)-fixed-points of A. These finite dimensional functions are obtained from functions defined on discrete space grid points (related to a parameter h→0) by applying suitably chosen extension operators p_h. A theorem specifying necessary and sufficient conditions for existence of fixed-points of A in terms of ε(h)-fixed-points of A is given. A corollary which follows the theorem yields an approximate method for a fixed-point problem and determines conditions for its convergence. An example of application of the obtained general results to numerical solving of boundary value problems for delay differential equations is provided.Numerical experiments carried out on three examples of boundary value problems for second order delay differential equations show that the proposed approach produces much more accurate results than many other numerical methods when applied to the same examples.     

Nonstandard finite difference methods: recent trends and further developments

In this paper, we review many recent developments and further applications of nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) methods encountered in the past decade. In particular, it is a follow up article of the one published in 2005 [K.C. Patidar, On the use of non-standard finite difference methods, J. Differ. Equ. Appl. 11 (2005), pp. 735–758]. It also includes those research contributions in this field that are very significant and published prior to the above article but were not included in the above paper simply because we did not have access to them when we wrote the above article. We also give a detailed account on various definitions/notions of NSFD methods appeared in the literature in past two decades. All contributions are listed chronologically except that in some instances we have grouped certain works to show connectivity in those fields. While categorizing these research contributions, we considered a number of different application areas. Moreover, due to space limitations, firstly, we have not included all works that used NSFD methodology but certainly important contributions are given due consideration, and secondly, we have only included the salient features of the proposed numerical schemes for many of these contributions and ignored other contents where the involved approaches sound fairly standard thus implying why these methods are known robust. Of course, the cases when there is a specific variation, in the theoretical analysis of these NSFD schemes, are highlighted with more details.     

Nonstandard finite difference schemes for a class of generalized convection–diffusion–reaction equations

In this work, a class of nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) schemes are proposed to approximate the solutions of a class of generalized convection–diffusion–reaction equations. First, in the case of no diffusion, two exact finite difference schemes are presented using the method of characteristics. Based on these two exact schemes, a class of exact schemes are presented by introducing a parameter α. Second, since the forms of these exact schemes are so complicated that they are not convenient to use, a class of NSFD schemes are derived from the exact schemes using numerical approximations. It follows that, under certain conditions about denominator function of time‐step sizes, these NSFD schemes are elementary stable and the solutions are positive and bounded. Third, by means of the Mickens' technique of subequations, a new class of implicit NSFD schemes are constructed for the full convection–diffusion–reaction equations. It is shown that, under certain parameters set, these NSFD schemes are capable of preserving the non‐negativity and boundedness of the analytical solutions. Finally, some numerical simulations are provided to verify the validity of our analytical results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 1288–1309, 2015     

A non-standard finite difference scheme for a diffusive HBV infection model with capsids and time delay

In this paper, a non-standard finite difference (NSFD) scheme for a delayed diffusive hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection model with intracellular HBV DNA-containing capsids is proposed. Dynamic consistency of this NSFD scheme is achieved by showing that the scheme preserves the non-negativity and boundedness of the solutions and the global stability of the homogeneous steady states of the corresponding continuous model without any restriction on spatial and temporal grid sizes. We prove the global stability of the steady states by constructing suitable discrete Lyapunov functions.     

Lyapunov direct method for investigating stability of nonstandard finite difference schemes for metapopulation models

In this paper nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) schemes of two metapopulation models are constructed. The stability properties of the discrete models are investigated by the use of the Lyapunov stability theorem. As a result of this we have proved that the NSFD schemes preserve essential properties of the metapopulation models (positivity, boundedness and monotone convergence of the solutions, equilibria and their stability properties). Especially, the basic reproduction number of the continuous models is also preserved. Numerical examples confirm the obtained theoretical results of the properties of the constructed difference schemes. The method of Lyapunov functions proves to be much simpler than the standard method for studying stability of the discrete metapopulation model in our very recent paper.