Berni Julian Alder, theoretical physicist and inventor of molecular dynamics, 1925–2020

Journal Article · Tue Feb 23 00:00:00 UTC 2021 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2024252118 · OSTI ID:1779034

Ceperley, David M.  ^[1]; Libby, Stephen B.  ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL (United States)
2. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Berni Julian Alder, one of the leading figures in the invention of molecular dynamics simulations used for a wide array of problems in physics and chemistry, died on September 7th, 2020. His career, spanning more than 65 years, transformed statistical mechanics, many body physics, the study of chemistry and the microscopic dynamics of fluids, by making atomistic computational simulation (in parallel with traditional theory and experiment) a new pathway to unexpected discoveries. Among his many honors, the CECAM prize, recognizing exceptional contributions to the simulation of the microscopic properties of matter is named for him. He was awarded the National Medal of Science by President Obama in 2008.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC52-07NA27344
• OSTI ID: 1779034
• Report Number(s): LLNL-JRNL-817186; 1027093
• Journal Information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Journal Name: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 118; ISSN 0027-8424
• Publisher: National Academy of SciencesCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English