.. _history:

.. _history-future:

##################
Future and history
##################

This section lists features we are planning to add to SPARTA, features
of previous versions of SPARTA, and features of other parallel
molecular dynamics codes I've distributed.

.. contents::
   :depth: 1
   :local:

.. _history-coming-attraction:

******************
Coming attractions
******************

The `wish list link <https://sparta.github.io/future.html>`__ on the
SPARTA web page gives a list of features we are planning to add to
SPARTA in the future.  Please contact the
`developers <_https://sparta.github.io/authors.html>`__ you are interested
in contributing to the those developments or would be a future user of
that feature.

You can also send `email to the developers <https://sparta.github.io/authors.html>`__ if you want to add
your wish to the list.

.. _history-past-versions:

*************
Past versions
*************

Sandia's predecessor to SPARTA is a DSMC code called ICARUS.  It was
developed in the early 1990s by Tim Bartel and `Steve Plimpton <https://sjplimp.github.io>`__.  It was later modified and
extended by Michael Gallis.

ICARUS is a 2d code, written in Fortran, which models the flow
geometry around bodies with a collection of adjoining body-fitted grid
blocks.  The geometry of the grid cells within in a single block is
represented with analytic equations, which allows for fast particle
tracking.

Some details about ICARUS, including simulation snapshots and papers,
are discussed on `this page <http://sjplimp.github.io/dsmc.html>`__

Performance-wise ICARUS scaled quite well on several generations of
parallel machines, and is still used by Sandia researchers today.
ICARUS was export-controlled software, and so was not distributed
widely outside of Sandia.

SPARTA development began in late 2011.  In contrast to ICARUS, it is a
3d code, written in C++, and uses a hierarchical Cartesian grid to
track particles.  Surfaces are embedded in the grid, which cuts and
splits their flow volumes.

The `Authors link <https://sparta.github.io/history.html>`__ on the SPARTA
web page gives a timeline of features added to the code since it's
initial open-source release.