Iterative operator-splitting methods with higher-order time integration methods and applications for parabolic partial differential equations

In this paper we design higher-order time integrators for systems of stiff ordinary differential equations. We combine implicit Runge–Kutta and BDF methods with iterative operator-splitting methods to obtain higher-order methods. The idea of decoupling each complicated operator in simpler operators with an adapted time scale allows to solve the problems more efficiently. We compare our new methods with the higher-order fractional-stepping Runge–Kutta methods, developed for stiff ordinary differential equations. The benefit is the individual handling of each operator with adapted standard higher-order time integrators. The methods are applied to equations for convection–diffusion reactions and we obtain higher-order results. Finally we discuss the applications of the iterative operator-splitting methods to multi-dimensional and multi-physical problems.