Interfacing the Paramesh Computational Libraries to the Cactus Computational Framework, Phase I

We will design and implement an interface between the Paramesh computational libraries, developed and used by groups at NASA GSFC, and the Cactus computational framework, developed primarily by scientists at Louisiana State University, the RI on this proposal. Our innovation falls in the domain of adaptive mesh refinement (AMR), a technique to focus computational resources in regions of small scale dynamics. Our approach is innovative as it brings together one of the leading AMR packages (Paramesh) with Cactus, a widely used modular, parallel problem solving environment that is supported on multiple computing architectures. Our innovative proposal responds specifically the to the "Computing" subtopic in the solicitation in three areas: It will (1) reduce costs for current Paramesh users at Goddard, by providing access to the wide variety of validated tools already available through Cactus and which would otherwise need to be redeveloped at NASA; (2) facilitate sharing of novel algorithms between Paramesh and Cactus users worldwide through the existing and proven interoperability features provided by Cactus; and (3) position Paramesh users to benefit from the many next-generation computer science innovations that are actively researched by the core Cactus development team (such as grid computing) and other Cactus contributors.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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