OpenMM-Python-Force: Deploying Accelerated Python Modules in Molecular Dynamics Simulation

TL;DR

OpenMM-Python-Force is a plugin that allows seamless integration of external Python-based energy and force calculations into OpenMM molecular dynamics simulations, enhancing flexibility and acceleration.

Contribution

It introduces a general plugin enabling external Python modules to provide force calculations during simulations, expanding OpenMM's capabilities.

Findings

Enables real-time data exchange via torch.Tensor or numpy.ndarray

Significantly extends OpenMM's functionality with external Python modules

Open-source implementation available for community use

Abstract

We present OpenMM-Python-Force, a plugin designed to extend OpenMM's functionality by enabling integration of energy and force calculations from external Python programs via a callback mechanism. During molecular dynamics simulations, data exchange can be implemented through torch.Tensor or numpy.ndarray, depending on the specific use case. This enhancement significantly expands OpenMM's capabilities, facilitating seamless integration of accelerated Python modules within molecular dynamics simulations. This approach represents a general solution that can be adapted to other molecular dynamics engines beyond OpenMM. The source code is openly available at https://github.com/bytedance/OpenMM-Python-Force.