A PROPOSED FLAT YET HIERARCHICAL ACCELERATOR LATTICE OBJECT MODEL

A computer generated, standard machine format (SMF) is proposed. Its p urpose is to facilitate communication of ''flat'' lattice descriptions between different users and processes, especially for model-based con trol. ''Essential'' parameters, possibly time dependent, of the physic al elements in the lattice are recorded. Though fully-instantiated, a hierarchical lattice view is retained. ''Objects'' in the model are cl osely associated with physical elements, not computer constructs. Dual intersecting lattices can be consistently described even though they share elements. Though object oriented, class member functions are con cerned with data storage and retrieval, not with beam or particle evol ution or with theoretical lattice functions. This assures the segregat ion of data needed for all control and modeling programs, from algorit hms specific to particular programs. For the same reason, logical data specific to particular programs is segregated from physical data. Dif ferent representations of the same model are optimized for different p urposes: efficiency, rapid interchange, editability, commercial databa se access, etc..