Molecular Forcefield Methods for Describing Energetic Molecular Crystals: A Review

Energetic molecular crystals are widely applied for military and civilian purposes, and molecular forcefields (FF) are indispensable for treating the microscopic issues therein. This article reviews the three types of molecular FFs that are applied widely for describing energetic crystals—classic FFs, consistent FFs, and reactive FFs (ReaxFF). The basic principle of each type of FF is briefed and compared, with the application introduced, predicting polymorph, morphology, thermodynamics, vibration spectra, thermal property, mechanics, and reactivity. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of these FFs are summarized, and some directions of future development are suggested.