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PUBLICATIONS

New Reactive Molecular Dynamics Algorithm for Modeling the Thermal Decomposition of Polymers

Published

Author(s)

Marc R. Nyden, Glenn P. Forney, S I. Stoliarov, P R. Westmoreland

Abstract

A new version of the novel reactive molecular dynamics algorithm (MD_REACT) has been developed as a result of collaboration between researchers at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and the Building and Fire Research Laboratory of NIST. The method is designed to serve as a versatile tool for modeling of thermal decomposition of polymeric materials. The algorithm is based on classical molecular dynamics. A dynamic force field is employed to simulate potential energy surfaces of a wide range of elementary chemical transformations. The parameters of the forcefield have been calibrated against the results of CBS-QB3 quantum chemical calculations performed on model compounds. Simulations of the thermal degradation of PMMA and PMA have been studied using the reactive molecular dynamics approach. The results of these simulations are compared with experimental observations.
Citation
The Third Triennial International Aircraft Fire and Cabin Safety Research Conference
Pub Type
Journals

Keywords

molecular dynamics, poly(methylacrylate), poly(methylmethacrylate), reaction dynamics, thermal degradation
Fire and Buildings and Construction

Citation

Nyden, M. , Forney, G. , Stoliarov, S. and Westmoreland, P. (2017), New Reactive Molecular Dynamics Algorithm for Modeling the Thermal Decomposition of Polymers, The Third Triennial International Aircraft Fire and Cabin Safety Research Conference (Accessed October 11, 2025)

Issues

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Created February 19, 2017
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