An efficient multiple time-scale reversible integrator for the gravitational N-body problem

Ben Leimkuhler*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

A large gravitational (or classical atomic) N-body simulation typically includes fast binary stars, planet-moon systems, or other tightly bound objects, demanding a small timestep and effectively limiting the time interval over which simulation can take place. While ad-hoc averaging schemes have been used before, these are generally neither symplectic nor reversible, impairing their long time-interval stability properties. In this article, we describe the design of a powerful reversible integrator based on partitioning, averaging, reversible adaptive timestepping, and smooth force decomposition. This method also incorporates a modification of the reversible averaging method of [J. Comput. Phys. 171 (2001) 95] based on an interpolation of the forces acting on the fast variables which is potentially much more efficient than the original method.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)175-190
Number of pages16
JournalApplied Numerical Mathematics
Volume43
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2002
Event19th Dundee Biennial Conference on Numerical Analysis - Dundee, United Kingdom
Duration: 26 Jun 200129 Jun 2001

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Averaging
  • Hamiltonian systems
  • N-body problems
  • Time-reversible discretization

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An efficient multiple time-scale reversible integrator for the gravitational N-body problem'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this