A coupled three-dimensional model calculation of the low-frequency lar
ge-amplitude intermolecular torsional states in (H2O)(3) and (D2O)(3)
is presented, based on the analytical modEPEN intermolecular potential
surface and a three-dimensional discrete variable representation appr
oach. The lowest torsional levels of both (H2O)(3) and (D2O)(3) lie ab
ove the sixfold (upd) torsional barrier. The first eight (eleven) tors
ions of (H2O)(3) ((D2O)(3)) are pseudorotational states. The 'radial'
and 'polar' torsional fundamental frequencies are predicted at 151 and
160 cm(-1) for (D2O)(3), and for (H2O)(3) at 185.0 and 185.3 cm(-1) r
espectively. Each of these in turn support a ladder of pseudorotationa
l levels.