Fu-Chu Chou
Jennifer R. Lukes
Xin-Gang Liang
Koji Takahashi
Chang-Lin Tien
ABSTRACT Because of rapid developments in computer speed and memory over the last 2 decades, the field of molecular dynamics (MD) has experienced explosive growth. The molecular basis and computationally intensive nature of the MD technique render it particularly effective for modeling systems of limited size and for studying short time scale phenomena. This paper presents a critical review of recent MD developments in microscale thermophysical engineering. Existing works on thermal conductivity, radiation-related manufacturing, thermal convection, and other short length and time scale studies are evaluated in detail. Limitations of MD and prospects for future development are also assessed. It is found that MD is well suited to study microscale topics such as thermophysical properties of complex microstructures, thermal convection with size effects, and ultra-short pulse laser melting.
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