TY - GEN A1 - Schütte, Christof A1 - Bornemann, Folkmar A. T1 - Approximation Properties and Limits of the Quantum-Classical Molecular Dynamics Model N2 - In molecular dynamics applications there is a growing interest in including quantum effects for simulations of larger molecules. This paper is concerned with {\em mixed quantum-classical} models which are currently discussed: the so-called QCMD model with variants and the time-dependent Born-Oppenheimer approximation. All these models are known to approximate the full quantum dynamical evolution---under different assumptions, however. We review the meaning of these assumptions and the scope of the approximation. In particular, we characterize those typical problematic situations where a mixed model might largely deviate from the full quantum evolution. One such situation of specific interest, a non-adiabatic excitation at certain energy level crossings, can promisingly be dealt with by a modification of the QCMD model that we suggest. T3 - ZIB-Report - SC-97-41 Y1 - 1997 UR - https://opus4.kobv.de/opus4-zib/frontdoor/index/index/docId/310 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-3102 ER -