Symmetry preserving difference schemes approximating second and third order
ordinary differential equations are presented. They have the same three or
four-dimensional symmetry groups as the original differential equations. The
new difference schemes are tested as numerical methods. The obtained numerical
solutions are shown to be much more accurate than those obtained by standard
methods without an increase in cost. For an example involving a solution with a
singularity in the integration region the symmetry preserving scheme, contrary
to standard ones, provides solutions valid beyond the singular point.Comment: 26 pages 7 figure