Sequence of Operations in MD Code

   

Dynamics Loop (dynamics.c)

   
 

Prepare Crystal

 
  Kick Impose average temperature by imparting a random velocity to each atom  
  Damp Boundaries Impose a small damping force, opposite to each particle's momentum, for each atom in boundary  
  Damp Bulk Impose a small damping force, opposite to each particle's momentum, for each atom in bulk  
   
 

Impose External Forces

 
  Shear Rigidly displace top surface of crystal  
  Strain Rigidly displace top surface of crystal  
  Shake Simulate Granular shaker  
   
 

Particle Dynamics

 
  Calculate Force For each particle, find force and potential due to each neighbor  
  Test Force Diagnostic - compare F to dU/dx for each particle  
  Freeze Boundaries Prevent any dynamics along crystal boundaries  
  Scale Velocities  
  Integrate Use force to update position and momentum  
  Locate Crack Tip Monitor progress of crack tip  
   
 

Bookkeeping

 
  Box it Approximate location of each particle  
  Migrate Send atoms that have left my region to the appropriate neighbors  
  Ghosts Send my edges to my neighbors, to use as ghosts.  
  Advance Make sure crystal is centered on region of interest by cutting off and pasting on to boundaries  
  Update Neighbor lists Make sure each particle knows its neighbors  
  Report Data Dump state of the crystal to disk  
   
 

Take Measurements

Monitor physical characteristics of crystal  
  Specific Heat  
  Elastic Modulus