Numerical methods for Orr-Sommerfeld problems

Five previously employed numerical methods for the solution of Orr–Sommerfeld problems have been compared to each other and to a new method, the differential method of near‐orthonormalized integration. Brief summaries of each method are included. The comparison, based on seven factors, reflects the results of an implementation of a computer program for each method for the classic Orr–Sommerfeld problem of plane Poiseuille flow. This comparison shows that the new method and the algebraic finite difference method are currently the best available numerical solution methods for the problems in this class, with the new method being less problem dependent.