Realizing Boltzmann's dream: computer simulations in modern statistical mechanics

Abstract

Today computer simulations belong to the most important and powerful theoretical tools for the investigation of statistical mechanical systems particularly in the field of condensed matter. Many simulation methods may directly, or indirectly, be traced back to ideas of Ludwig Boltzmann or are used to carry on the program he had envisioned. Using several illustrative examples, we discuss the role of computer simulation in modern statistical mechanics and, in particular, its relation to Boltzmann's legacy.