Continuous fourth derivative method for third order boundary value problems

Abstract

A fourth derivative method (FDM) with continuous coefficients is derived and used to obtain main and additional methods which are used to solve third order boundary value problems (TOBVPs) such as the Blasius, the Falkner-Skan, and the sandwich beam problems which frequently occur in engineering. The convergence analysis of the method is discussed. Numerical experiments are performed to show speed and accuracy advantages. © 2013 Academic Publications, Ltd.