  We consider the 2+1 and 3+1 scalar wave equations reduced via a helical
Killing field, respectively referred to as the 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional
helically reduced wave equation (HRWE). The HRWE serves as the fundamental
model for the mixed-type PDE arising in the periodic standing wave (PSW)
approximation to binary inspiral. We present a method for solving the equation
based on domain decomposition and spectral approximation. Beyond describing
such a numerical method for solving strictly linear HRWE, we also present
results for a nonlinear scalar model of binary inspiral. The PSW approximation
has already been theoretically and numerically studied in the context of the
post-Minkowskian gravitational field, with numerical simulations carried out
via the "eigenspectral method." Despite its name, the eigenspectral technique
does feature a finite-difference component, and is lower-order accurate. We
intend to apply the numerical method described here to the theoretically
well-developed post-Minkowski PSW formalism with the twin goals of spectral
accuracy and the coordinate flexibility afforded by global spectral
interpolation.
