ml-cluster-expansion

Train a Cluster Expansion model for disordered lattice materials using MCP tools.

144|21|Updated Jan 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/learningmatter-mit/AtomisticSkills --skill ml-cluster-expansion
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ml-cluster-expansion
Source: https://github.com/learningmatter-mit/AtomisticSkills/tree/main/.agents/skills/ml-cluster-expansion
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/learningmatter-mit/AtomisticSkills --skill ml-cluster-expansion

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps you build a Cluster Expansion (CE) model for disordered, lattice-based materials so you can efficiently predict energies and explore configuration space with Monte Carlo.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Agent-driven CE build loop: prepares disordered inputs, generates initial ordered structures, relaxes/lables via MCP tools, trains the CE, and optionally iterates with active learning.
  • Monte Carlo sampling from a trained CE: runs lattice Monte Carlo to sample finite-temperature configurations and supports extraction of candidate structures for continued training.
  • Flexible fitting workflows: trains CE from relaxation datasets and supports optional direct feature-matrix fitting for advanced regularization (e.g., sparse group lasso).

Quick Start

Use the ml-cluster-expansion skill to train a cluster expansion for your disordered alloy by supplying a primordial CIF, generating an initial sampling set, relaxing structures with an MLIP MCP tool, then training with mcp_smol_train_cluster_expansion to produce ce_project/cluster_expansion.json.

Frequently Asked Questions about ml-cluster-expansion

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I train a cluster expansion model for disordered alloys?▼

To train a cluster expansion model for disordered alloys, supply a disordered primordial structure, generate initial ordered structures, relax and label them via MLIP MCP tools, and train using mcp_smol_train_cluster_expansion to produce a cluster_expansion.json file.

What is needed to build a cluster expansion for compositionally disordered materials?▼

Building a cluster expansion for compositionally disordered materials requires a disordered primordial structure, extensive total energies in the training data with consistent fixed-cell mapping, and cluster-orbit feature definitions cut off by pair and triplet radii.

Can I run Monte Carlo simulations using a trained cluster expansion model?▼

Yes, you can run lattice Monte Carlo simulations to sample finite-temperature configurations from a trained cluster expansion model using the mcp_smol_run_monte_carlo MCP tool, which also supports extracting candidate structures for continued training.

Does the cluster expansion workflow support active learning for materials modeling?▼

Yes, the cluster expansion workflow supports active learning through an agent-driven iterative loop that handles sampling, labeling, and training via MCP tools to iteratively refine the model for disordered lattice materials.

Can I apply custom regularization when fitting a cluster expansion model?▼

Yes, you can apply custom regularization when fitting a cluster expansion model by using the optional direct feature-matrix fitting capability, which supports advanced regularization techniques such as sparse group lasso.

What limitations exist when using cluster expansion for multi-sublattice disorder?▼

Cluster expansion for multi-sublattice disorder requires consistent fixed-cell mapping across all training data and depends on accurately defined cluster-orbit feature cutoffs, meaning incomplete or inconsistently mapped energy datasets will produce unreliable models.