Process Simulation Language and 3D Visualization

While computer simulation packages are commonly available, many simulations are still written without the use of existing software. This fact is primarily because current software simulation technology has some serious limitations. For example, current packages rely on cartoon-like, predefined, 2-dimensional graphical representations and are difficult to extend. Further, the packages do not take advantage of sophisticated simulation software developed by academic and government researchers nor do they allow simulations to be displayed on workstations and executed on supercomputers (heterogeneous computing). The goal of this proposal is to create an extensible simulation environment using 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional visualizations. The environment would operate on user-defined or existing applications. Phase I would define and prototype a visualization language that allows the rapid construction of simulation visual layouts. Phase II would explore the technology necessary to integrate user-defined software and to support heterogeneous computing. Phase III would concentrate on developing a graphical interface to the simulation environment and attracting commercial support.