ERDC/ITL MP-06-1, Mesh-Independent Methods for Agent Movement

Efficient and accurate methods are needed to move agents (particles with behavior rules) through their environments. To support such applications, this paper presents a compact software architecture that can be used to interface parallel particle tracking software to computational mesh management systems. The in-element particle tracking framework supported by this software architecture is presented in detail. This framework supports most particle tracking applications. The use of this parallel software architecture is illustrated through the implementation of two differential equation solvers, the forward Euler method and an implicit trapezoidal method, on a distributed, unstructured, computational mesh. A design goal of this software effort has been to interface to software libraries such as Scalable Unstructured Mesh Algorithms and Applications (SUMAA3d) in addition to application codes (e.g., FEMWATER). This goal is achieved through a software architecture that specifies a lightweight functional interface that maintains the full functionality required by particle-mesh methods. The use of this approach in parallel programming environments written in C and Fortran is demonstrated. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents. DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN IT IS NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN TO THE ORIGINATOR.