Gravitational N-Body Simulations: Tools and Algorithms

Description

This book discusses in detail all the relevant numerical methods for the classical N-body problem. It demonstrates how to develop clear and elegant algorithms for models of gravitational systems, and explains the fundamental mathematical tools needed to describe the dynamics of a large number of mutually attractive particles. Particular attention is given to the techniques needed to model astrophysical phenomena such as close encounters and the dynamics of black hole binaries. The author reviews relevant work in the field and covers applications to the problems of planetary formation and star cluster dynamics, both of Pleiades type and globular clusters. Self-contained and pedagogical, this book is suitable for graduate students and researchers in theoretical physics, astronomy and cosmology.

'Sverre's dogma of numerical accuracy combined with detailed testing and a deep understanding of the basic algorithmic form runs throughout this book. ... as a list of what you need to think about to perform direct N-Body simulations well, this book is excellent.' Contemporary Physics 'Gravitational N-Body Simulations is a masterful summary of computational techniques ... written by Sverre Aarseth, a pioneer in the field ... Aarseth's long-awaited book is a comprehensive historical survey of the field of N-body experimentation, as well as a 'user's manual' for his NBODY series of codes. ... it is a pleasure to see [the material] presented here in such a complete and coherent fashion. ... This book should be almost indispensable to N-body practitioners, especially (but not exclusively) those who use one of Aarseth's NBODY codes.' General Relativity and Gravitation