NUMERICAL APPROXIMATION OF A METASTABLE SYSTEM

Using the Becker-Doring cluster equations as an example, we highlight some of the problems that can arise in the numerical approximation of dynamical systems with slowly varying solutions. We describe the Becke r-Doring model, summarize some of its properties and construct a numer ical approximation which allows accurate and efficient computation of solutions in the long, slowly varying metastable phase. We use the app roximation to obtain test results and discuss the clear relationship b etween them and equilibrium solutions of the Becker-Doring equations.