Covariant Computation in Special Relativistic Dynamics
Abstract
**Please note that the full text is embargoed** ABSTRACT: The motion of a particle in a special relativistic framework is studied numerically. Difference equations which are covariant are developed first. It is then shown how computations can be done in both the lab and rocket frames so that the numerical results are related by the Lorentz transformation. Finally, assuming the usual force formula for harmonic oscillation, it is shown that the dynamical equation is necessarily nonlinear and trajectories are studied numerically for various initial data.