We present a state-of-the-art N-body code which includes a detailed treatme
nt of stellar and binary evolution as well as the cluster dynamics. This co
de is ideal for investigating all aspects relating to the evolution of star
clusters and their stellar populations. It is applicable to open and globu
lar clusters of any age. We use the N-body code to model the blue straggler
population of the old open cluster M67. Preliminary calculations with our
binary population synthesis code show that binary evolution alone cannot ex
plain the observed numbers or properties of the blue stragglers. On the oth
er hand, our N-body model of M67 generates the required number of blue stra
gglers and provides formation paths for all the various types found in M67.
This demonstrates the effectiveness of the cluster environment in modifyin
g the nature of the stars it contains, and highlights the importance of com
bining dynamics with stellar evolution. We also perform a series of N = 10
000 simulations in order to quantify the rate of escape of stars from a clu
ster subject to the Galactic tidal field.