Abstract
We describe the astrophysical and numerical basis of N -body simulations, both of collisional stellar systems (dense star clusters and galactic centres) and collisionless stellar dynamics (galaxies and large-scale structure). We explain and discuss the state-of-the-art algorithms used for these quite different regimes, attempt to give a fair critique, and point out possible directions of future improvement and development. We briefly touch upon the history of N -body simulations and their most important results.
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Dehnen, W., Read, J.I. N-body simulations of gravitational dynamics. Eur. Phys. J. Plus 126, 55 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2011-11055-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2011-11055-3