Robust Exponential Runge-Kutta Embedded Pairs

Exponential integrators are explicit methods for solving ordinary differential equations that treat linear behaviour exactly. The stiff-order conditions for exponential integrators derived in a Banach space framework by Hochbruck and Ostermann are solved symbolically by expressing the Runge–Kutta weights as unknown linear combinations of phi functions. Of particular interest are embedded exponential pairs that efficiently generate both a high- and low-order estimate, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the time step. A key requirement is that the pair be robust: if the nonlinear source function has nonzero total time derivatives, the order of the low-order estimate should never exceed its design value. Robust exponential Runge–Kutta (3,2) and (4,3) embedded pairs that are well-suited to initial value problems with a dominant linearity are constructed.