During this initial stage of the project, there are several things that need to be considered. In addition to the creation of basic design documents that have been previously listed, I will need to ensure that I have ready access to the major resources required for the project and being research.
Below I have listed initial research topics that will form the core of my project. More will be added as this project progresses.
Initial Research Topics:
1. Euler Integration
2. Runge-Kutta
3. Physics Equations
4. Software Development Platform and Language
5. Existing Solutions to Overall System
6. Code Compilation into DLL files.
7. Marshaling DLL files into COM
8. Bicycle Mechanics and Structure
9. Reference Style
In addition to these specific topics, I have begun gathering a starting point of locations that may hold promising avenues of research with regard to these topics. This information is not formatted or referenced to any standard model; however, as I begin to use these services, I provide full referencing in a consistent style and evaluate what is found.
Initial Research Centres:
Journals and Databases:
- ifpan.edu.pl/journal.htm
- iop.org
- Google Scholar
- University of Glamorgan FINDit System
- Web of Science Database
- Inspec
- CACM
Books:
- Introduction to Mathematical Modelling - Bender
- Mathematical Modelling - Berry and Houston
- Physics for Game Developers - Bourg and Seemann
- Mathematical Modelling Techniques - Rutherford
Websites:
- www.allphysicsequations.com
- www.ajdesigner.com/index_physics.php
This is an early stage in planning to begin cataloging required resources but I believe I can make a start with the basics of what I require in order to begin. Some of the these may seem basic or trivial but they are all vital in the progression of this project.
Resources:
Working and Stable Computer Able to Develop Project From:
This may seem obvious but it is vital in producing this project, the computer must have enough processing power and memory to run and test the program, be able to display what is happening and have enough disc space to store the program and associated documentation. Both my home computer, laptop and University computers (Which I have complete access to) all fit this criteria.
Visual Studio 2010:
This is the most likely development platform that will be used for this project. The computers at University comes loaded with it and the MSDN AA provides a free version to students that have loaded onto my personal machines. This selection has yet to be evaluated and verified.
Internet Connection and Browser:
Required for research and communication. High speed internet connection using Ethernet and WiFi at University is available in addition to fast Broadband at home. All locations come equipped with a variety of browsers.
Microsoft Office Package:
This is not a decision that will be evaluated as it does not affect the project and is down to personal choice. I will use Office as the latest versions are available at both home and work locations and it comes with every piece of software required for design and documentation, these include Visio for Modeling, Word for documentation, Project for planning and Excel should I require spreadsheets. Documents will most likely be printed to a .PDF format for serialisation, which is supported, and Visio will be evaluated against others for its Modeling ability before a decision is made.
Design Document Modeler:
As previously mentioned, Microsoft Office comes equipped with its Visio Modeler, this will be evaluated against others such as Star UML and then a decision made. Modeling software is vital in the planning stage and will provide a solid foundation before development commences.
Access to Research Literature:
Access to online journal databases and written material is freely available through the internet and the University of Glamorgan's Learning Resource Centre.
Backup Utility:
While others may not consider this to be a vital component, I believe backing up work to be an integral part of a project. As such, I will use automatic syncing tools such as Dropbox and SugarSync to automatically back up my work across all personal computers. this allows me to always work on the most up to date version of a file and have it backed up not only to my other computers, but also to a cloud server. In addition to this, I will use Backify to upload all work from my home computer (Which is updated through syncing) to a large, secure cloud server and have setup automatic scripting to backup the documents to an external hard drive connected at my home. Both of these solutions happen automatically, daily. This may seem severe, but it allows me access to my up to date work anywhere in the world, at any time, and is backed up to no less than five difference locations so that I can always be secure.
My next stage is to detail exactly what needs to be done by certain deadlines and document how these milestones will be achieved within the allotted time. I can the move on to developing the initial design documents.
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