Evaluation of a Test Set for Stiff ODE Solvers

Abstract

In 1975 Enright, Hull, and Lindberg published a set of problems for the testing of codes for stiff ordinary differential equation {ODE) problems. It has been widely used since then. In this paper a critical evaluation of the test set is made, and changes are recommended that make the set a more useful tool. Comments about the difficulties of testing software in this area are made which may lead to more thoughtful use of the test set.