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In the context of molecular dynamics, a force field (also called a forcefield) is a more loosely defined term and refers to the functional form and parameter sets used to describe the interactions ( potential, forces) within a system of particles ( atoms or similarly sized objects). It is independent of the system's configuration and is not a numerical field as in the above context. A force field can be empirical, derived from higher-level modelling (e.g. quantum chemical studies), or even heuristicFor heuristics in computer science, see heuristic (computer science Heuristic is the art and science of discovery and invention. The word comes from the same Greek root (`ευρισκω) as " eureka," meaning "to find"..

Some popular forcefields and the types of molecules they can be applied to include:

Classical forcefields:

• AMBERAMBER (an acronym for Assisted Model Building and Energy Refinement is a force field for molecular dynamics developed by Peter Kollman's group in the University of California, San Francisco. AMBER is also the name for the molecular dynamics simulation pac - widely used for proteins and DNA
• CHARMm - originally developed at Harvard, widely used for both small molecules and macromolecules
• CVFF - also broadly used for small molecules and macromolecules
• GROMACS -
• GROMOS -
• MM2, MM3, MM4 - developed by Norman L. Allinger, for a broad range of chemicals
• OPLS, OPLSAA - developed by William L. Jorgensen

Second-generation forcefields:

• CFF - a family of forcefields adapted to a broad variety of organic compounds, includes forcefields for polymers, metals, etc.
• MMFF - developed at Merck, for a broad range of chemicals

In science fictionScience fiction generally speaking, is a form of speculative fiction which deals principally with the impact of imagined science and/or technology upon society or individuals. There are, perhaps, exceptions to (or at least, some very unusual examples of) and fantasyFor other definitions of fantasy see Fantasy (psychology). In literature, fantasy is a form of fiction, usually novels or short stories, though fantasy role-playing games comic books and movies are also popular. In its broadest sense, "Fantasy Fiction" co literature, a force field is a physical barrier made up of energy to protect a person or object from attacks or intrusions.

External link

• Force field at Memory AlphaMemory Alpha is the name of a collaborative project launched in November 2003 to create the "most definitive, accurate, and accessible encyclopedia and reference for everything related to Star Trek . The project uses the wiki model, and today runs on the, a Star TrekStar Trek collectively refers to six science fiction television series, ten motion pictures, and hundreds of novels, video games, and other works of fiction all set within the same fictional universe created by Gene Roddenberry in the early to mid 1960s. WikiWiki