Computer Physics Communications Program Library

Programs in Physics & Physical Chemistry



Manuscript Title: PROCRUSTES: A computer algebra package for post-Newtonian calculations in General Relativity
Authors: Dirk Puetzfeld
Program title: Procrustes
Catalogue identifier: ADYH_v1_0 Distribution format: tar.gz
Journal reference: Comput. Phys. Commun. 175(2006)497
Programming language: Maple internal language.
Computer: Platforms supported by the Maple computer algebra system (program was written under Maple 8, but also tested with Maple 9, 9.5, 10).
Operating system: Linux, Unix, Windows XP.
RAM: Dependent on problem (small ~ couple of MBytes, large ~ several GBytes)
Word size: Dependent on Maple distribution (supports 32 bit and 64 bit platforms)
Keywords: Approximation methods, Equations of motion, Post-Newtonian approximation, General Relativity.
PACS: 04.25.Nx, 04.25.-g, 95.30.Sf.
Classification: 1.5, 5.
Nature of problem: The post-Newtonian approximation represents an approximative scheme frequently used in General Relativity in which the gravitational potential is expanded into a series in inverse powers of the speed of light. Depending on the desired approximation level the field equations and equations of motion have to be determined up to given orders in the speed of light. This usually requires large algebraic computations due to the geometrical quantities entering the field equations and equations of motion.
Solution method: Automated computation using computer algebra techniques. Program has modular structure and only makes use of basic features of Maple to guarantee maximum compatibility and to allow for rapid extensions/modifications by the user.
Restrictions: Sufficient amount of memory is the limiting factor for these calculations. The structure of the program allows one to handle large scale problems in an iterative manner to minimize the amount of memory required.
Running time: Dependent on problem (small ~ couple of minutes, large ~ couple of hours)