Continuing development of the MMACE Research and Engineering Framework (REF): a computer based environment for simulation and design

Summary form only given. Scientific and engineering research and design codes are typically FORTRAN-based, having vastly different data structures and I/O, and unique and inconsistent user interfaces resulting in long learning curves and difficulties in usage. Manual manipulation of data from code to code is required to ensure validity of the input. Coupled with the difficulty of graphically viewing the geometry and translating it to an analysis model, the result is numerous opportunities for the introduction of human errors into the design process. This situation also adversely affects the cost (human and software/hardware) of maintaining and extending design capabilities as the theoretical foundation and design needs advance. The Research and Engineering Framework (REF), developed as part of the Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Advanced Computational Environment (MMACE) program, provides a coherent, heterogeneous design environment which is the first step toward addressing the above problems. The REF provides a broad-based environment for simulation and design. It allows easy tool integration and toolkits to aid in the development of new design and analysis tools. The REF focuses on providing enabling technology in several critical areas including: ease of use and consistency; support for a "master" geometry; data sharing; heterogeneous networking, numerical grid generation; visual connection of tools and data flows; and configuration management of design data for small research teams. With this functionality available, researchers are able to concentrate on physics and phenomena in their codes rather than worrying about data access, visualization, interface development, etc. Ideas can be translated into functional applications without large investments in code and time. The REF provides the ability to perform rapid prototyping for theoretical disciplines.