Date of Online Publication: 02/11/2010
Keywords: Time reversal symmetry, Reversible Hamiltonian systems, Symmetric methods,
Periodic orbits, Numerical drift.
Authors:
Pages:
Abstract: When approximating reversible Hamiltonian problems, the presence of a “drift”
in the numerical values of the Hamiltonian is sometimes experienced, even when reversible
methods of integration are used. In this paper we analyze the phenomenon by using a
more precise definition of time reversal symmetry for both the continuous and the discrete
problems. A few examples are also presented to support the analysis.