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At least 487 records · Page 27

Load sharing in distributed real-time systems with state-change broadcasts

A decentralized dynamic load-sharing (LS) method based on state-change broadcasts is proposed for a distributed real-time system. Whenever the state of a node changes from underloaded to fully loaded and vice versa, the node broadcasts this change to a set of nodes, called a buddy set, in the system. The performance of the method is evaluated with both analytic modeling and simulation. It is modeled first by an embedded Markov chain for which numerical solutions are derived. The model solutions are then used to calculate the distribution of queue lengths at the nodes and the probability of meeting task deadlines. The analytical results show that buddy sets of 10 nodes outperform those of less than 10 nodes, and the incremental benefit gained from increasing the buddy set size beyond 15 nodes is insignificant. These and other analytical results are verified by simulation. The proposed LS method is shown to meet task deadlines with a very high probability.

Shin, Kang G.↗

Dynamic Load-Balancing for Distributed Heterogeneous Computing of Parallel CFD Problems

The developed methodology is aimed at improving the efficiency of executing block-structured algorithms on parallel, distributed, heterogeneous computers. The basic approach of these algorithms is to divide the flow domain into many sub- domains called blocks, and solve the governing equations over these blocks. Dynamic load balancing problem is defined as the efficient distribution of the blocks among the available processors over a period of several hours of computations. In environments with computers of different architecture, operating systems, CPU speed, memory size, load, and network speed, balancing the loads and managing the communication between processors becomes crucial. Load balancing software tools for mutually dependent parallel processes have been created to efficiently utilize an advanced computation environment and algorithms. These tools are dynamic in nature because of the chances in the computer environment during execution time. More recently, these tools were extended to a second operating system: NT. In this paper, the problems associated with this application will be discussed. Also, the developed algorithms were combined with the load sharing capability of LSF to efficiently utilize workstation clusters for parallel computing. Finally, results will be presented on running a NASA based code ADPAC to demonstrate the developed tools for dynamic load balancing.

Ecer, A.↗

Moving Aerospace Structural Design Practice to a Load and Resistance Factor Approach

Aerospace structures are traditionally designed using the factor of safety (FOS) approach. The limit load on the structure is determined and the structure is then designed for FOS times the limit load - the ultimate load. Probabilistic approaches utilize distributions for loads and strengths. Failures are predicted to occur in the region of intersection of the two distributions. The load and resistance factor design (LRFD) approach judiciously combines these two approaches by intensive calibration studies on loads and strength to result in structures that are efficient and reliable. This paper discusses these three approaches.

Larsen, Curtis E.↗

Effects of oxidation and oxidation under load on strength distributions of Si3N4

The room-temperature strength distributions of a sintered and a hot-pressed Si3N4 were examined in the as-machined condition, after oxidation at 1370 C and after oxidation under load at 1370 C. The strength-controlling flaw populations were highly transient in nature. Both the duration of oxidation and the magnitude of the applied load were observed to effect changes in strength. This dynamic situation is related to both strengthening and weakening processes, which at times may occur simultaneously in the same strength distribution.

Easler, T. E.↗

Experimental temperature distribution and heat load characteristics of rotating heat pipes

Experimental results show conclusively that the presence of a small quantity of a noncondensable gas (NCG) mixed with the working fluid has a considerable effect on the condensation process in a rotating heat pipe. The temperature distribution in the condenser shows the blanketing effect of the NCG and the ratio of the molecular weight of the working fluid to that of the NCG has a very definite effect on the shape of this distribution. Some of the effects are quite similar to the well-established data on stationary heat pipes.

Daniels, T. C.↗

Bounds on thickness and loading noise of rotating blades and the favorable effect of blade sweep on noise reduction

The maxima of amplitudes of thickness and loading noise harmonics are established when the radial distribution of blade chord, thickness ratio, and lift coefficient is specified. It is first shown that only airfoils with thickness distribution and chordwise loading distributions which are symmetric with respect to midchord need be considered for finding the absolute maxima of thickness and loading noise. The resulting chordwise thickness and load distributions for these maximum noise conditions require infinite slope at some points along the chord but otherwise are uniform. It is shown that sweeping the blades reduces the thickness and loading noise, but there is no optimum sweep which generates the lowest noise.

Farassat, F.↗

Propagation of the transverse normal stress in a thick plate due to distributed lateral impulsive loadings

A theoretical study of the elastic stresses produced in an infinite plate when struck by a high-speed object is presented. The solution is obtained by means of linear elasticity. Laplace transformation techniques are employed to solve the axisymmetric problem. The plate is loaded normal to its surface with a uniform load over a circular area. The normal stress at the wave front of the unreflected dilatation wave along the axis and its variation with the radius of loading are determined. Various facets of the problem are discussed.

Oline, L. W.↗

High speed interference heating loads and pressure distributions resulting from elevon deflections

Effects of elevon-induced three-dimensional shock-wave turbulent boundary-layer interactions on hypersonic aircraft surfaces are analyzed. Detailed surface pressure and heating rate distributions obtained on wing-elevon-fuselage models representative of aft portions of hypersonic aircraft are compared with analytical and experimental results from other sources. Examples are presented that may be used to evaluate the adequacy of current theoretical methods for estimating the effects of three-dimensional shock-wave turbulent boundary-layer interactions on hypersonic aircraft surfaces.

Johnson, C. B.↗

Optimal Topology of Aircraft Rib and Spar Structures under Aeroelastic Loads

Several topology optimization problems are conducted within the ribs and spars of a wing box. It is desired to locate the best position of lightening holes, truss/cross-bracing, etc. A variety of aeroelastic metrics are isolated for each of these problems: elastic wing compliance under trim loads and taxi loads, stress distribution, and crushing loads. Aileron effectiveness under a constant roll rate is considered, as are dynamic metrics: natural vibration frequency and flutter. This approach helps uncover the relationship between topology and aeroelasticity in subsonic transport wings, and can therefore aid in understanding the complex aircraft design process which must eventually consider all these metrics and load cases simultaneously.

Stanford, Bret K.↗

Proprioceptive Inference for Dual-Arm Grasping of Bulky Objects Using RoboSimian

This work demonstrates dual-arm lifting of bulky objects based on inferred object properties (center of mass (COM) location, weight, and shape) using proprioception (i.e. force torque measurements). Data-driven Bayesian models describe these quantities, which enables subsequent behaviors to depend on confidence of the learned models. Experiments were conducted using the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s (JPL) RoboSimian to lift a variety of cumbersome objects ranging in mass from 7kg to 25kg. The position of a supporting second manipulator was determined using a particle set and heuristics that were derived from inferred object properties. The supporting manipulator decreased the initial manipulator’s load and distributed the wrench load more equitably across each manipulator, for each bulky object. Knowledge of the objects came from pure proprioception (i.e. without reliance on vision or other exteroceptive sensors) throughout the experiments.

Backes, Paul↗