Distributed model coupling framework

An implementation of a distributed model coupling framework is documented. This framework provides the infrastructure for a data-flow approach for solving the problem of distributed numerical models sharing coupling information. There exists a centralized server which stores coupling information such as surface fluxes. This information is then passed to client applications (numerical models) through a series of filters. These filters are used to transform the information into a ready-to-use form by the model and are specific to the coupling process being performed. CORBA is used for all the communication between processes. Results are given for two test cases, a strong tropical event and a rip current calculation over a barred beach. Results for the rip current example are compared to the traditional approach of file based coupling approach showing a 50% decrease in execution time with equivalent results.