New techniques for modelling glass dissolution

Due to the large increase in computation power, new methods for modelling g lass dissolution are becoming available. We give a short description of two classes of such methods. For each method, we first explain where it is bas ed on, then we list existing applications in glass dissolution and finally, we discuss what it could provide to glass dissolution modelling. The first class of models consists of molecular modelling. These are methods with a solid mathematical basis, like ab initio calculations. molecular dynamics o r Monte Carlo simulations. These methods are complementary, not only to one another but also to existing analytical or geochemical models. which will not become superfluous. Instead. one method can provide input for another m ethod, either by calculating values or by confirming its basic assumptions. The second class of models consists of soft computing techniques like neur al networks. fuzzy systems or genetic algorithms. These methods, which can be viewed as complementary to traditional methods, are more empirically bas ed and can be useful for modelling systems that are ill defined or not comp letely understood yet. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.