Forward model jobs

During optimization the values of the objective functions and output constraints are calculated by a series of jobs specified in the forward_model section of the configuration file:

forward_model:
  - job-name <arguments>
  - job-name <arguments>

These jobs are executed in the order they are specified, and exchange data via files. Before starting a new batch of forward model jobs, EVEREST writes an input file containing the current control values and copies other user-specified input files to the location in the file system where the forward model jobs will run. Jobs can produce output files that serve as inputs for jobs that are started later. Finally, the outputs of the forward model (objective and constraint values) are saved, read by EVEREST and send back to the optimizer.

Forward model jobs are command line applications that are run by the EVEREST job scheduler. A few built-in jobs are provided, which are described in the section Built-in forward model jobs. The EVEREST installation is generally providing additional forward models via its plugin system, such as those described in EVEREST models. The user can also add their own forward models using the mechanism described in Custom forward model jobs.