Integrating Factors and ODE Patterns

Abstract

A systematic algorithm for building integrating factors of the form mu(x,y') or mu(y,y') for non-linear second order ODEs is presented. When such an integrating factor exists, the algorithm determines it without solving any differential equations. Examples of ODEs not having point symmetries are shown to be solvable using this algorithm. The scheme was implemented in Maple, in the framework of the ODEtools package and its ODE-solver. A comparison between this implementation and other computer algebra ODE-solvers in tackling non-linear examples from Kamke's book is shown.