Time-irreversibility is hidden within Newtonian mechanics

ABSTRACT

We develop a bit-reversible implementation of Milne's fourth-order predictor algorithm so as to generate precisely time-reversible simulations of irreversible processes. We apply our algorithm to the collision of two zero-temperature Morse-potential balls, which collide to form a warm liquid oscillating drop. The oscillations are driven by surface tension and damped by the viscosities. We characterise the ‘important’ Lyapunov-unstable particles during the collision and equilibration phases in both time directions to demonstrate the utility of the Milne algorithm in exposing ‘Time's Arrow’.