Dr. Lake and collaborators will build on their previous algorithms for N-body simulations and analysis and visualization techniques to provide a broader framework and adopt an open development approach. The interdisciplinary team will create an object-oriented framework that 1) allows for greater flexibility in the use of the code in astrophysics, adding key elements such as smoothed particle hydrodynamics and collisional dynamics of planetesimals, 2) permits modules to be easily borrowed for other applications, 3) integrates protein folding into the current system and provides modules to groups doing global climate models and atmospheric data assimilation, 4) integrates the code with a visualization package allowing for both computational steering and stronger comparisons with data, and 5) preserves the ability of the current code to run efficiently on a wide variety of computer architectures. The simulations will allow them to address questions in a variety of fields, from astrophysics, to the formation and evolution of the solar system, to protein folding, and climate modeling.
