PQ is an open-source platform for advanced molecular dynamics simulations, offering comprehensive support for both classical molecular mechanics (MM) and quantum mechanics (QM) calculations.
Key features include:
- Multiple simulation engines: Support for MM-MD, QM-MD, QM-RPMD and planned QM/MM-MD calculations
- Quantum mechanics integration: Compatible with DFTB+, Turbomole, PySCF and MACE engines
- Flexible force fields: GUFF (Grand Unified Force Field) and AMBER-type force fields with various non-bonded interaction models (Lennard-Jones, Buckingham, Morse)
- Advanced algorithms: Ring polymer molecular dynamics for quantum nuclear effects, various thermostats and manostats
- High-performance computing: MPI support for parallel simulations and optional Kokkos acceleration
- Integrated ecosystem: Part of the MolarVerse organization, providing seamless integration with companion tools for trajectory analysis, structure preparation and CLI utilities
PQ is designed for researchers in computational chemistry and materials science who require accurate and efficient molecular dynamics simulations across different scales and methodologies.
Comprehensive documentation is available on the PQ documentation website, covering:
- User Guide: Detailed instructions on input file structure, necessary setup files and generated output files
- Installation Guide: Step-by-step building instructions, including Singularity containers
- Feature List: Complete overview of implemented features
- Developer Guide: Project architecture, software testing and contributing guidelines
Multiple examples of different chemical systems and jobtypes are given in the examples directory.
To perform calculations using the PQ program, execute the executable PQ with a given input file
<path to executable>/PQ <input file>
Prerequisites:
- CMake >= 3.18
- GCC >= 13.0
Clone the PQ GitHub repository and navigate into the directory:
git clone https://github.com/MolarVerse/PQ.git
cd PQ
Create a build directory and navigate into this directory:
mkdir build
cd build
Within this directory configure CMake:
cmake ../ -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release
Optionally it is also possible to enable MPI for Ring Polymer MD
cmake ../ -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release -DBUILD_WITH_MPI=On
For compilation then type:
make -j<#procs>
The executable binary is then found in the subfolder named "apps" inside the build directory.
If you use PQ in your research, please cite:
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Gamper, J., Gallmetzer, J. M., Weiss, A. K. H., & Hofer, T. S. (2025). PQ: An Open-Source Platform for Advanced Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14185071
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Gamper, J., Gallmetzer, J. M., Weiss, A. K. H., & Hofer, T. S. (2024). PQAnalysis (1.2.1). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11322103