FSML-Fusion Simulation Markup Language for Interoperability of Data and Analysis Tools

76055-The visualization and analysis of data generated by simulations in the fusion and plasma physics community are difficult because of the incompatibility among the multiple data formats and multiple data analysis tools. This incompatibility also makes comparison of the data difficult and the interworking of codes problematic. Therefore, systems are needed to facilitate data interchange and the interoperability of analysis tools. This project will address these problems by developing the Fusion Simulation Markup Language (FSML), which is based on the eXtensible Markup Language (XML). The system will include: (1) metadata markups and schemas for describing semantically and structurally similar data coming from fusion and plasma simulations; and (2) libraries for parsing FSML documents and accessing data from major data visualization and analysis tools. Phase I will specify a prototype XML schema based on data structures generated by two magnetohydrodymic (MHD) codes, M3D and NIMROD. Then using this schema, prototype APIs (application program interface) for parsing files and reading data from C++ and AVS/Express will be developed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as Described by the awardee: The set of tools should be of immediate use to the Fusion Simulation Project and multiple scientific collaboratories, allowing enhanced data interchange and analysis tools interoperability.