A fast random number generator for stochastic simulations

A discrete random number (DRN) generator for stochastic differential equations is proposed. The generator has exactly 8 states and thus 10 DRN's can be obtained from a single 32-bit random variable. This is advantageous when large numbers of DRN's are needed, as for example in fluctuating lattice-Boltzmann models. The moments of the discrete distribution match those of a Gaussian distribution (zero mean and unit variance) up to 5th order. Numerical tests show that satisfactory statistical properties can be obtained with several 32-bit pseudo random number (PRN) generators. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.