The effect of dipolar forces on the structure and thermodynamics of classical fluids

The present understanding of how dipolar forces affect the structure and ph ase behaviour of classical fluids is reviewed. We focus mainly on the appar ent absence of a liquid-vapour phase transition for strongly polar spherica l particles, and discuss how the same can be recovered. By concentrating on theoretical and simulation studies of simple models, the roles and interpl ay of dipolar and Van der Waals interactions and molecular shape can he cle arly discerned. Connection is made with experimental work on ferrofluids. F inally, we discuss the theoretical and computational challenges that lie ah ead.