A hybrid projection algorithm for stochastic differential equations on manifolds

Stochastic differential equations projected onto manifolds occur widely in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, nanotechnology and optimization theory. In some problems one can use an intrinsic coordinate system on the manifold, but this is often computationally impractical. Numerical projections are preferable in many cases. We derive an algorithm to solve these, using adiabatic elimination and a constraining potential. We also review earlier proposed algorithms. Our hybrid midpoint projection algorithm uses a midpoint projection on a tangent manifold, combined with a normal projection to satisfy the constraints. We show from numerical examples on spheroidal and hyperboloidal surfaces that this has greatly reduced errors compared to earlier methods using either a hybrid Euler with tangential and normal projections or purely tangential derivative methods. Our technique can handle multiple constraints. This allows, for example, the treatment of manifolds that embody several conserved quantities. The resulting algorithm is accurate, relatively simple to implement and efficient.