A combined molecular dynamics and finite element method technique applied to laser induced pressure wave propagation

Analysis of a variety of dynamic phenomena requires simultaneous resolution at both atomistic and continuum length scales. A combined molecular dynami cs and finite element method approach, which we discuss in this paper, allo ws us to find the balance between the necessary level of detail and computa tional cost. The combined method is applied to the propagation of a laser-i nduced pressure wave in a solid. We find good agreement of the wave profile in the molecular dynamics and finite element regions. This computational a pproach can be useful in cases where a detailed atomic-level analysis is ne cessary in localized spatially separated regions whereas continuum mechanic s and thermodynamics is sufficient in the remainder of the system. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.