Physical Quantity: Towards a Pattern Language for Quantities and Units in Physical Calculations

Abstract

In this paper an approach is taken towards a pattern language for physical quantities in software applications. The central pattern, Physical Quantity, is described as well as some needed candidate patterns revolving around. The Physical Quantity design pattern is a specialized version of the Quantity analysis pattern, optimized for the SI unit system. It is intended for the physical and mathematical domains where calculations, arithmetic, conversion and simulations are the most used functionalities. Its emphasis is on type safety, dimensional analysis, performance, and convenient syntax. Supporting candidate patterns for handling tolerances, validation, conversion or matrix operations are shortly described. The target audiences are software engineers and practitioners working in the area of physical simulations and calculations.