Fiftieth anniversary of molecular dynamics

The history of computer application in physics for solving nonlinear problems is considered. Examples from different branches of condensed matter physics (nonlinear vibrations of anharmonic chains of atoms, dynamics of radiation damage of crystals, deformation and fracture of crystals) are given. A new line of investigation and the results obtained in the field of computer simulation of physical processes realized in the department of metal physics and computer technologies in materials science are considered. This line incorporates both a study of self-organization and properties of new materials (fullerenes, carbon nanotubes) and biological objects by molecular dynamics technique as well as the development of new computer simulation methods.