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Tests Of Random Number Generators Using Ising Model Simulations, Paul D. Coddington

Northeast Parallel Architecture Center

Large-scale Monte Carlo simulations require high-quality random number generators to ensure correct results. The contrapositive of this statement is also true – the quality of random number generators can be tested by using them in large-scale Monte Carlo simulations. We have tested many commonly used random number generators with high precision Monte Carlo simulations of the 2-d Ising model using the Metropolis, Swendsen-Wang, and Wolff algorithms. This work is being extended to the testing of random number generators for parallel computers. The results of these tests are presented, along with recommendations for random number generators for high-performance computers, particularly for …