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Understanding Molecular Simulation: From Algorithms to Applications explains the physics behind the "recipes" of molecular simulation for materials science. Computer simulators are continuously confronted with questions concerning the choice of a particular technique for a given application. A wide variety of tools exist, so the choice of technique requires a good understanding of the basic principles. More importantly, such understanding may greatly improve the efficiency of a simulation program. The implementation of simulation methods is illustrated in pseudocodes and their practical use in the case studies used in the text.

Since the first edition only five years ago, the simulation world has changed significantly -- current techniques have matured and new ones have appeared. This new edition deals with these new developments; in particular, there are sections on:

Examples are included that highlight current applications and the codes of case studies are available on the World Wide Web. Several new examples have been added since the first edition to illustrate recent applications. Questions are included in this new edition. No prior knowledge of computer simulation is assumed.

Understanding Molecular Simulation explains molecular simulation from a chemical-physics and statistical-mechanics perspective. It highlights how physical concepts are used to develop better algorithms and expand the range of applicability of simulations. Understanding Molecular Simulation is equally relevant for those who develop new code and those who use existing packages. Both groups are continuously confronted with the question of which computational technique best suits a given application. Understanding Molecular Simulation provides readers with the foundational knowledge they need to learn about, select and apply the most appropriate of these tools to their own work. The implementation of simulation methods is illustrated in pseudocodes, and their practical use is shown via case studies presented throughout the text.

Since the second edition's publication, the simulation world has expanded significantly: existing techniques have continued to develop, and new ones have emerged, opening up novel application areas. This new edition aims to describe these new developments without becoming exhaustive; examples are included that highlight current uses, and several new examples have been added to illustrate recent applications. Examples, case studies, questions, and downloadable algorithms are also included to support learning. No prior knowledge of computer simulation is assumed.