Abstract
The modified regularized long wave (MRLW) equation is solved numerically by collocation method using cubic B-splines finite element. A linear stability analysis of the scheme is shown to be marginally stable. Three invariants of motion are evaluated to determine the conservation properties of the algorithm, also the numerical scheme leads to accurate and efficient results. Moreover, interaction of two and three solitary waves are studied through computer simulation and the development of the Maxwellian initial condition into solitary waves is also shown. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.