Trade Study Plug-Ins for ModelCenter
Saeed Paydarfar, Ph.D
October 2001
Abstract
"The Trade Study Plug-In capability for ModelCenter is an exciting capability that allows creators of trade study algorithms to take advantage of the Process Integration services provided by ModelCenter. As defined by ModelCenter, a trade study is any algorithm that repeatedly executes a set of analysis tools (a Model) in order to reach some objective. Examples include Parameter Scans, Optimization Studies, and Design Experiments. This white paper introduces the concept of a ModelCenter Trade Study Plug-In and is targeted towards anyone who develops or uses trade study algorithms, including university and government organizations, existing users of ModelCenter, and commercial vendors of trade study algorithms.
ModelCenter provides easy to use, graphical tools for the purpose of Process Integration. Using ModelCenter, engineering analysis processes can be quickly automated into a Model. Trade studies can then be performed on the Model in order to collect data for purposes of Six Sigma, Robust and Reliability-Based Design, or Multi-Disciplinary Optimization. While ModelCenter provides it's own internal trade study tools, such as a Parametric Study Tool and Design of Experiments Tool, there is ongoing research and debate into which trade studies are the most effective. As a result many companies support in-house algorithm development efforts. There are also public domain and commercial software offerings for performing trade studies.
To provide support for the greatest variety of trade study algorithms, we are opening up the ModelCenter API for use by external trade study tools. The result will be that any trade study tool can take advantage of the first-in-class Process Integration services provided by ModelCenter. It is our goal to become the default Process Integration framework upon which multiple trade study algorithms can be plugged into. End users will then be able to select the most appropriate trade study algorithm for their problem on a case-by-case basis.
The ModelCenter Process Integration Engine provides a variety of services useful for performing trade studies. First, ModelCenter provides a graphical interface for building an automated process. This process can be composed of multiple analysis tools running on a network of heterogeneous computing resources. Once a Model is constructed, ModelCenter then provides tools and APIs for collecting and presenting data. The data collection process can be performed serially, or in parallel to take advantage of computing clusters.
Trade Study algorithms can be plugged into ModelCenter by a variety of techniques. We have adopted a programming language independent approach that allows users to choose the language and level of integration they would like to achieve. Simple algorithms can be added in a matter of minutes using a scripting language. More full featured plug-ins can be developed in complete programming languages, such as Java or C++, using sophisticated frameworks like Swing or MFC.
This white paper introduces the basic concepts of a Trade Study Plug-In. To learn more, or to arrange for a Plug-In Development Kit, please contact Phoenix Integration directly.
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