Latest revision as of 10:17, 18 August 2020

Abstract

An integrated software system called NICE (Network of Interactive Computational Elements) is presently under development at the Applied Mechanics Laboratory. The overall purpose of this development is to further the formulation, implementation and application of advanced computational methods in fluid and solid mechanics. From a software engineering standpoint, system design stresses functional modularity, decentralization, adaptability to interactive computing environments, and ability to accommodate research, development, analysis and testing activities. A clear separation is established between architectural elements such as analysis control and data management, and result-productive computational components called processors. This paper gives a functional overview of the NICE architecture, for which the author is responsible. Control functions that shape the user's perception of the system are emphasized.