Numerical solution of the minimal surface equation by block nonlinear successive overrelaxation

The behavior of a block nonlinear successive over relaxation nlethod for nUnlerically solvingthe systenl of sinlultaneous nonlinear algebraic equations arising fronl a discretization of the nlininlal surface equation is investigated experinlentally. The nlethod perfornls successive line overrelaxation, approxinlately solving the systenl of sinlultaneous equations corresponding to a line of nlesh points by perfornling one Newton iteration. It is found that the nlethod behaves qualitatively the sanle as a previously investigated point nlethod in solving the test problenl, including the nlanner of estinlating the optinlal relaxation paranleter, but results in nlore rapid convergence to the solution.