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DOE OSTI · 1090047

Why is Boris Algorithm So Good?

Qin, Hong
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Abstract

Due to its excellent long term accuracy, the Boris algorithm is the de facto standard for advancing a charged particle. Despite its popularity, up to now there has been no convincing explanation why the Boris algorithm has this advantageous feature. In this letter, we provide an answer to this question. We show that the Boris algorithm conserves phase space volume, even though it is not symplectic. The global bound on energy error typically associated with symplectic algorithms still holds for the Boris algorithm, making it an effective algorithm for the multi-scale dynamics of plasmas.

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Qin, Hong. 2013-03-03. Why is Boris Algorithm So Good?. https://doi.org/10.2172/1090047

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