ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces two broad classifications of numerical integrators known as one-step methods and multistep formulas and presents a case for when to use each type. Adaptive techniques for changing the integration step size when using one-step methods are discussed. Later on, a property of system models referred to as “stiffness” is explored along with ways of dealing with it to make sure accurate and stable simulations result. Numerical stability is mentioned only briefly near the end of the chapter; however, more will be mentioned about this important property when we revisit numerical integration in Chapter 8.
