A Unified Discrete Gradient-SAV Framework for Structure-Preserving Integration

Abstract

We present a framework combining discrete gradient (DG) methods with the Scalar Auxiliary Variable (SAV) approach to construct structure-preserving integrators for dissipative and conservative systems. The key observation is that SAV quadratization lifts the dynamics to an extended state space on which the modified energy has an exact discrete-gradient identity. This viewpoint yields three integrators with different accuracy and cost profiles: a first-order semi-implicit Forward Euler scheme, a second-order self-adjoint Midpoint scheme, and a second-order Predictive scheme with reduced implicitness. The construction extends to almost-Poisson systems and preserves selected Casimir invariants under an enforceable discrete condition. Numerical experiments cover the Allen–Cahn equation, an Ohta–Kawasaki-type nonlocal gradient flow, a double-well Hamiltonian oscillator, and a Poisson system with a nonlinear cubic Casimir.