A component-based architecture for problem solving environments

Many problems in science and engineering involve computer modeling of physi cal phenomena. Problem Solving Environments (PSEs) are software systems des igned to hide the intricacies of computer modeling of physical phenomena an d guide a researcher towards a meaningful solution. Some computer modeling applications are naturally distributed, require gathering experimental data , processing raw data, plugging the results of this processing into theoret ical models, and repeating the process with various sets of model parameter s. Others require legacy applications, distributed over a wide-area network , to collaborate towards a common goal. Monolithic PSEs for distributed applications are complex and brittle. The a rchitecture we propose is based upon a distributed object system and an age nt framework we have developed during the past few years. The Bond agent fr amework allows us to assemble an agent from pre-existing components based u pon (1) an agent description language, (2) an agent control language, (3) a n agent factory, (C) 2000 IMACS. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rig hts reserved.