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On the accuracy in the numerical solution of theN-body problem

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Abstract

There exist several widely used methods that give a qualitative estimation of the accuracy of the results in the numerical solution of theN-body problem. The ‘reverse’ and ‘closure’ tests are examined here critically. The author has developed a method for the estimation of global errors propagated in the numerical solution of ordinary and partial differential equations that has proven to be rather efficient in numerous cases (see P. E. Zadunaisky [17]). Applications of the method to several cases of theN-body problem are presently made and the advantages and limitations of the method are shown in a set of examples.

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Zadunaisky, P.E. On the accuracy in the numerical solution of theN-body problem. Celestial Mechanics 20, 209–230 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01371363

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