Computer simulation of structures of silicate melts and glasses.

The method of computer 'experiments' to construct three-dimensional structural configurations is outlined, with particular reference to molecular dynamics calculations. Examples are given for SiO₂, MgSiO₃ and CaAl₂Si₂O₈ melts at 2000 K. The calculations are extremely time-consuming and hence expensive even on the fastest computers available; a problem is thus to obtain a compromise between science and economy.-R.A.H.