Developing potentials for atomistic simulations

A small group of researchers met recently to review the new and rapidly growing field of many-atom potentials for solids. The workshop was held on 25-27 September 1991, in Ann Arbor, MI, and was commissioned by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Some classes of materials are being treated well by many-atom potentials, while others are only now being considered. Combinations of materials including more than one type of bond seem clearly beyond our present capabilities. The systematics of many-atom potential development is in its infancy, and progress appears to be rapid.