An algorithm for the interpolation of functions using quintic splines

摘要

A method is described for the interpolation of N arbitrarily given data points using fifth degree polynomial spline functions. The interpolating spline is built from a set of basis functions belonging to the fifth degree smooth Hermite space. The resulting algebraic system is symmetric and bloc-tridiagonal. Its solution is calculated using a direct inversion method, namely a block-gaussian elimination without pivoting. Various boundary conditions are provided for independently at each end point. The stability of the algorithm is examined and some examples are given of experimental convergence rates for the interpolation of elementary analytical functions. A listing is given of the two FORTRAN subroutines INSPL5 and SPLIN5 which form the algorithm.