Finite difference methods for the classical particle-particle gravitational n-body problem (Q1121679)

A variety of finite difference methods for ordinary differential equations are applied to the gravitational n-body problem. They are tested with three and five body planar motions, with checks on energy conservation, angular momentum conservation, and reversibility. The schemes include Runge-Kutta methods, Stormer-Cowell methods (multi-step methods) and extrapolation methods.