Integrated Information Interface for Electromagnetic Modeling and Simulation Tools

Recent advances in electromagnetic algorithms such as the Multi-level Fast Multipole Algorithm (MLFMA) provide rigorous and efficient full-wave analysis of arbitrary PEC and dielectric structures with principle dimensions many wavelengths in length. This proposal is to take a suite of such algorithms developed under 6.1 ARO support at Duke University and wrap them in a common user interface that simplifies their use and provides a means for end users to script the user interface as well as underlying algorithms. The scripting interface is a key element that provides a capability sorely lacking in most Graphical User Interface (GUI) based scientific software built today - the ability for end users to extend an application's functionality beyond the features that were embedded by the original developers. This scripting capability will be integrated into an intuitive user interface designed by a team including electromagnetic experts, human-computer interface (HCI) specialists, technical writers, and experienced computer scientists. Together they will integrate state-of-the-art 2d and 3d visualization techniques with the best practices in UI design to deliver an application that supports the aggressive schedule for technology insertion into the Future Combat Systems for the Objective Force.