scott wrote:
>> It computes one step forward. It then recomputes that step as two 
>> half-steps.
> 
> That sounds like a waste of time.  Within the RK4 algorithm you already 
> have 4 estimates of slope, just check the variance of these to determine 
> whether you need to use a smaller time step or not.

Well, the stability depends on how sharply the force acting on the 
particle changes as a function of position...

I have to say, I don't really comprehend how RK4 works. I copied the 
formulas, and it seems to produce the right answers, but I have no idea 
*why* it works or what it's doing.

Still, I could try what you suggest and see what the accuracy / 
performance is like. (I already had to decrease the error tollerance 
once to get crisp images...)

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