MPTRAC vs Open Source Physics
MPTRAC
slcs-jsc.github.ioOpen Source Physics
compadre.orgSide by side
| Figure | MPTRAC | Open Source Physics |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 0 |
| Spec score · Physics Simulation Software | 8.7 (#7) | 8.1 (#27) |
| Authoring tools | No | Yes |
| Data export | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery mode | hybrid | hybrid |
| Lesson library | No | Yes |
| License | The repository states that MPTRAC is distributed under the GNU General Public License v3.0. | OSP source and compiled code may be used under GNU GPL version 2 or any later version; associated curricular narratives may have separate copyrights or licenses. |
| Offline access | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | MPTRAC is a Lagrangian particle dispersion model for analyzing atmospheric transport in the free troposphere and stratosphere. | The OSP Collection provides curriculum resources that engage students in physics, computation, and computer modeling. |
| Support | The project directs questions, support, and collaboration inquiries to Dr. Lars Hoffmann at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre. | OSP directs users to its feedback form or [email protected] for staff contact, and lists a technical questions discussion link. |
| 3D visuals | Yes | Yes |
Plans
In their own words
MPTRAC
MPTRAC is a Lagrangian particle dispersion model for studying atmospheric transport in the free troposphere and stratosphere. It calculates forward and backward air-parcel trajectories from meteorological wind fields, with stochastic diffusion, subgrid wind variation and mixing between parcels. Optional process parameterizations cover convection, sedimentation, decay, gas-phase and aqueous-phase chemistry, and wet and dry deposition. Listed research applications include long-range pollutant transport, volcanic ash dispersion, tracer experiments and atmospheric chemistry.
The browser-based Web Runner can configure, run and visualize simulations, then download results without local installation. It is limited to 10,000 air parcels, 30 days and 10 minutes of model runtime. The model needs meteorological input, normally netCDF files on a regular pressure, longitude and latitude grid. MPTRAC supports hybrid MPI, OpenMP and OpenACC parallelization, and offers visualization interfaces for Gnuplot and ParaView. It is GPL-3.0 software for Linux, self-hosted and web use; listed pricing includes free.
Open Source Physics
Open Source Physics is a free, open-source resource for physics learning and teaching. It offers a lesson library and authoring tools, with 3D visuals, offline access, and data export. The combination supports both browsing learning materials and creating them. Its listed platforms are web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and its delivery mode is hybrid. Offline access is specifically listed, alongside the web and desktop and mobile platforms. The project is listed as founded in 2002, as is its maker, Open Source Physics. The pricing model is free, and the pricing note identifies the resource as open source. Data export is included among its capabilities. Readers can weigh the library and authoring tools against its broad range of platform options when considering it for physics education.