Many-Body Tree Methods in Physics

Studying the dynamics of a large number of particles interacting through long-range forces, commonly referred to as the 'N-body problem', is a central aspect of many different branches of physics. In recent years, significant advances have been made in the development of fast N-body algorithms to deal efficiently with such complex problems. This book is the first to give a thorough introduction to these so-called 'tree methods', setting out the basic principles and giving many practical examples of their use. No prior specialist knowledge is assumed, and the techniques are illustrated throughout with reference to a broad range of applications. The book will be of great interest to graduate students and researchers working on the modelling of systems in astrophysics, plasma physics, nuclear and particle physics, condensed matter physics and materials science.

1. Introduction; 2. Basic structure of the hierarchical tree method; 3. Open boundary problems; 4. Optimisation of hierarchical tree codes; 5. Periodic boundary conditions; 6. Periodic boundary problems; 7. The fast multipole method; Appendices.

The first book to give a thorough introduction to the modern, fast N-body algorithms, or 'tree methods', used in many different branches of physics. Sets out clearly the basic principles and gives many practical examples of their use.