Database management in scientific computing—II. Data structures and program architecture

Abstract

The second of a three-part paper on scientific database management prepares the ground for the operational description of a multilevel data management system in Part III. Following a detailed categorization of data and storage structures, principles of program architecture deemed necessary to make most efficient use of centralized data management techniques are discussed. General operational requirements of data management systems are presented, and the notion of activity levels introduced. This part closes with a brief review of the evolution of data management techniques in the context of computerized structural analysis.