An algorithm for the computation of Hopf bifurcation points in comparison with other methods

We present an algorithm for the computation of a Hopf bifurcation point based on a direct method, i.e. an augmented time independent system is solved. The algorithm is designed to deal efficiently with problems representing a finite difference discretization of a partial differential system. In this case the bandstructure of the Jacobian matrix is exploited. We also compare this technique with some other methods in regard to its efficiency and reliability.