Large-scale shell model calculations for exotic nuclei

Recent shell model calculations for the neutron-rich nuclei around the magic numbers N = 20, N = 28 and N = 40 are reviewed. We stress two points: i) The crucial role played by the monopole part of the effective interaction that determines the evolution of the spherical mean field. In particular, the reduction in the quasiparticle gaps at the magic numbers can erode or even erase the shell closures. ii) The rich variety of structures that can be found in these situations, with coexisting deformed and spherical states, rapid changes of behaviour with N or Z, and the massive occurrence of intruder states as ground states.