PT Group | MSM

Materials Algorithms Project (MAP)

Introduction

The Materials Algorithms Project has led to the creation of a perpetual library containing documented algorithms for the modelling of materials. The library serves as a centre for the validation and free distribution of these algorithms. It has helped the subject of materials modelling to grow by avoiding repetition, by avoiding the loss of information when modelling projects end and by providing an elementary standard by which the algorithms within the library are documented and coded. The library has always been open to participation by any interested party, either as a user of materials models or as a donor of code. The success of this participation has been a very pleasing feature of the project.

The MAP software has been accessible to the outside world since February 17th 1997. Some 29,000 files have been accessed within the first nine months since February; 10\%\ of these interactions have involved the downloading of FORTRAN source code and documentation. The remaining operations involve a scanning of the site to identify and reach the source code which is to be downloaded. With the exception of large parts of Africa and China, almost every country in the world has now downloaded data from the MAP site. The first mirror site has just been established in the U.S.A. at Northwestern University. The users include educational, commercial, governmental and military domains. The statistics and the impressive contents of the library, covering many aspects of materials science, can only be appreciated fully from the MAP site on Materials Algorithms Project

A detailed report can also be accessed.

Achievements

1. Provides open access to algorithms for modelling materials.
2. Makes published work more accessible.
3. Removes need for duplication of effort.
4. Provides a modular library to permit the construction of new models or integration into specific software.
5. Provides complete programs, example data and experimental data.
6. Provides a mechanism for the publication of documented software.
7. Creates a lively community of people interested in the creation or use of models in the context of materials science and technology.

Assessment

The work was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) of the United Kingdom. The results of the project have been assessed by EPSRC referees as follows:

1. Scientific & Technological Merit: Very significant contribution to the field.
2. Management and use of resources: Excellent