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International Conference on Numerical Methods in Fluid Dynamics, 11th, Williamsburg, VA, June 27-July 1, 1988, Proceedings

Recent advances in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are discussed in reviews and reports. Topics addressed include CFD models in plasma dynamics, parallel computation for simulation studies, CFD for hypersonic airbreathing aircraft, multigrid methods for the steady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, upwind differencing techniques, TV stable schemes for shock-interacting flows, Euler models of hypersonic vortex flows, parallel multilevel adaptive methods, and vortex methods for slightly viscous three-dimensional flows. Consideration is given to the accuracy of node-based solutions on irregular meshes, multigrid calculations for cascades, a finite-volume-element method for planar cavity flow, parallel heterogeneous mesh refinement for advection-diffusion equations, the convergence of the spectral-viscosity method for nonlinear conservation laws, and numerical simulations of Taylor vortices in a spherical gap.

Dwoyer, D. L.

Cross-over component code construction for multi-level block modulation codes

This paper investigates the multilevel technique for combining block coding and modulation. Several specific methods for constructing multilevel block modulation codes with interdependency among component codes are presented. Given a multilevel block modulation code C with no interdependency among the binary component codes, the proposed methods give a multilevel block modulation code C-prime which has the same rate as C, a minimum squared Euclidean distance not less than that of C, a trellis diagram with the same number of states as that of C, and a smaller number of nearest neighbor codewords than that of C.

Kasami, Tadao

Multi-level bandwidth efficient block modulation codes

The multilevel technique is investigated for combining block coding and modulation. There are four parts. In the first part, a formulation is presented for signal sets on which modulation codes are to be constructed. Distance measures on a signal set are defined and their properties are developed. In the second part, a general formulation is presented for multilevel modulation codes in terms of component codes with appropriate Euclidean distances. The distance properties, Euclidean weight distribution and linear structure of multilevel modulation codes are investigated. In the third part, several specific methods for constructing multilevel block modulation codes with interdependency among component codes are proposed. Given a multilevel block modulation code C with no interdependency among the binary component codes, the proposed methods give a multilevel block modulation code C which has the same rate as C, a minimum squared Euclidean distance not less than that of code C, a trellis diagram with the same number of states as that of C and a smaller number of nearest neighbor codewords than that of C. In the last part, error performance of block modulation codes is analyzed for an AWGN channel based on soft-decision maximum likelihood decoding. Error probabilities of some specific codes are evaluated based on their Euclidean weight distributions and simulation results.

Lin, Shu

Multidisciplinary optimization applied to a transport aircraft

Decomposition of a large optimization problem into several smaller subproblems has been proposed as an approach to making large-scale optimization problems tractable. To date, the characteristics of this approach have been tested on problems of limited complexity. The objective of the effort is to demonstrate the application of this multilevel optimization method on a large-scale design study using analytical models comparable to those currently being used in the aircraft industry. The purpose of the design study which is underway to provide this demonstration is to generate a wing design for a transport aircraft which will perform a specified mission with minimum block fuel. A definition of the problem; a discussion of the multilevel composition which is used for an aircraft wing; descriptions of analysis and optimization procedures used at each level; and numerical results obtained to date are included. Computational times required to perform various steps in the process are also given. Finally, a summary of the current status and plans for continuation of this development effort are given.

Giles, G. L.

A two-level GPU-accelerated incomplete LU preconditioner for general sparse linear systems

This paper presents a parallel preconditioning approach based on incomplete LU (ILU) factorizations in the framework of Domain Decomposition (DD) for general sparse linear systems. We focus on distributed memory parallel architectures, specifically, those that are equipped with graphic processing units (GPUs). In addition to block-Jacobi, we present general purpose two-level ILU Schur complement-based approaches, where different strategies are presented to solve the coarse-level reduced system. These strategies are combined with modified ILU methods in the construction of the coarse-level operator, in order to effectively remove smooth errors by targeting an algebraically smooth vector. We leverage available GPU-based sparse matrix kernels to accelerate the setup and the solve phases of the proposed ILU preconditioner. We evaluate the efficiency of the proposed methods as a smoother for algebraic multigrid (AMG) and as a preconditioner for Krylov subspace methods on challenging anisotropic diffusion problems and a collection of general sparse matrices.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING

Rapid design of aerospace vehicle

This document presents in viewgraph form techniques for the optimal design of aerospace vehicles which take into account vehicle shape, aerodynamic performance, and weight minimization. Methods include multilevel optimization with linear decomposition, multi-constraint optimization, global sensitivity matrix, and calculation of sensitivity derivatives using both first and second order derivatives. The effects of including flexibility in the optimization is discussed.

Abdi, Frank

Aerospace engineering design by systematic decomposition and multilevel optimization

A method for systematic analysis and optimization of large engineering systems, by decomposition of a large task into a set of smaller subtasks that is solved concurrently is described. The subtasks may be arranged in hierarchical levels. Analyses are carried out in each subtask using inputs received from other subtasks, and are followed by optimizations carried out from the bottom up. Each optimization at the lower levels is augmented by analysis of its sensitivity to the inputs received from other subtasks to account for the couplings among the subtasks in a formal manner. The analysis and optimization operations alternate iteratively until they converge to a system design whose performance is maximized with all constraints satisfied. The method, which is still under development, is tentatively validated by test cases in structural applications and an aircraft configuration optimization.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, J.

Fitting aerodynamic forces in the Laplace domain: An application of a nonlinear nongradient technique to multilevel constrained optimization

A technique which employs both linear and nonlinear methods in a multilevel optimization structure to best approximate generalized unsteady aerodynamic forces for arbitrary motion is described. Optimum selection of free parameters is made in a rational function approximation of the aerodynamic forces in the Laplace domain such that a best fit is obtained, in a least squares sense, to tabular data for purely oscillatory motion. The multilevel structure and the corresponding formulation of the objective models are presented which separate the reduction of the fit error into linear and nonlinear problems, thus enabling the use of linear methods where practical. Certain equality and inequality constraints that may be imposed are identified; a brief description of the nongradient, nonlinear optimizer which is used is given; and results which illustrate application of the method are presented.

Tiffany, S. H.

Domain decomposition: A bridge between nature and parallel computers

Domain decomposition is an intuitive organizing principle for a partial differential equation (PDE) computation, both physically and architecturally. However, its significance extends beyond the readily apparent issues of geometry and discretization, on one hand, and of modular software and distributed hardware, on the other. Engineering and computer science aspects are bridged by an old but recently enriched mathematical theory that offers the subject not only unity, but also tools for analysis and generalization. Domain decomposition induces function-space and operator decompositions with valuable properties. Function-space bases and operator splittings that are not derived from domain decompositions generally lack one or more of these properties. The evolution of domain decomposition methods for elliptically dominated problems has linked two major algorithmic developments of the last 15 years: multilevel and Krylov methods. Domain decomposition methods may be considered descendants of both classes with an inheritance from each: they are nearly optimal and at the same time efficiently parallelizable. Many computationally driven application areas are ripe for these developments. A progression is made from a mathematically informal motivation for domain decomposition methods to a specific focus on fluid dynamics applications. To be introductory rather than comprehensive, simple examples are provided while convergence proofs and algorithmic details are left to the original references; however, an attempt is made to convey their most salient features, especially where this leads to algorithmic insight.

Keyes, David E.

Implicit Extrapolation Methods for Variable Coefficient Problems

Implicit extrapolation methods for the solution of partial differential equations are based on applying the extrapolation principle indirectly. Multigrid tau-extrapolation is a special case of this idea. In the context of multilevel finite element methods, an algorithm of this type can be used to raise the approximation order, even when the meshes are nonuniform or locally refined. Here previous results are generalized to the variable coefficient case and thus become applicable for nonlinear problems. The implicit extrapolation multigrid algorithm converges to the solution of a higher order finite element system. This is obtained without explicitly constructing higher order stiffness matrices but by applying extrapolation in a natural form within the algorithm. The algorithm requires only a small change of a basic low order multigrid method.

Jung, M.

Synthesis of frameworks under multilevel performance constraints

A method for the minimum weight design of practical planar frameworks under both service and ultimate loading conditions is presented. Acceptable elastic stresses and displacements are ensured at the service load level while, simultaneously, adequate safety against plastic collapse is ensured at the ultimate load level. The features of the design method for an industrial steel mill building are illustrated.

Grierson, D. E.

A Note on Multigrid Theory for Non-nested Grids and/or Quadrature

We provide a unified theory for multilevel and multigrid methods when the usual assumptions are not present. For example, we do not assume that the solution spaces or the grids are nested. Further, we do not assume that there is an algebraic relationship between the linear algebra problems on different levels. What we provide is a computationally useful theory for adaptively changing levels. Theory is provided for multilevel correction schemes, nested iteration schemes, and one way (i.e., coarse to fine grid with no correction iterations) schemes. We include examples showing the applicability of this theory: finite element examples using quadrature in the matrix assembly and finite volume examples with non-nested grids. Our theory applies directly to other discretizations as well.

Douglas, C. C.

Parallel Anisotropic Unstructured Grid Adaptation

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become critical to the design and analysis of aerospace vehicles. Parallel grid adaptation that resolves multiple scales with anisotropy is identified as one of the challenges in the CFD Vision 2030 Study to increase the capacity and capability of CFD simulation. The Study also cautions that computer architectures are undergoing a radical change and dramatic increases in algorithm concurrency will be required to exploit full performance. This paper reviews four different methods to parallel anisotropic grid generation. They cover both ends of the spectrum: (i) using existing state-of-the-art software optimized for a single core and modifying it for parallel platforms and (ii) designing and implementing scalable software with incomplete, but rapidly maturating functionality. A brief overview for each grid adaptation system is presented in the context of a telescopic approach for multilevel concurrency. These methods employ different approaches to enable parallel execution, which provides a unique opportunity to illustrate the relative behavior of each approach. Qualitative and quantitative metric evaluations are used to draw lessons for future developments in this critical area for parallel CFD simulation.

Tsolakis, Christos

Integrated structure/control law design by multilevel optimization

A new approach to integrated structure/control law design based on multilevel optimization is presented. This new approach is applicable to aircraft and spacecraft and allows for the independent design of the structure and control law. Integration of the designs is achieved through use of an upper level coordination problem formulation within the multilevel optimization framework. The method requires the use of structure and control law design sensitivity information. A general multilevel structure/control law design problem formulation is given, and the use of Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control law design and design sensitivity methods within the formulation is illustrated. Results of three simple integrated structure/control law design examples are presented. These results show the capability of structure and control law design tradeoffs to improve controlled system performance within the multilevel approach.

Gilbert, Michael G.

Integrated structure/control law design by multilevel optimization

A new approach to integrated structure/control law design based on multilevel optimization is presented. This new approach is applicable to aircraft and spacecraft and allows for the independent design of the structure and control law. Integration of the designs is achieved through use of an upper level coordination problem formulation within the multilevel optimization framework. The method requires the use of structure and control law design sensitivity information. A general multilevel structure/control law design problem formulation is given, and the use of Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control law design and design sensitivity methods within the formulation is illustrated. Results of three simple integrated structure/control law design examples are presented. These results show the capability of structure and control law design tradeoffs to improve controlled system performance within the multilevel approach.

Gilbert, Michael G.

Wilson loops with neural networks

Wilson loops are essential objects in QCD and have been pivotal in scale setting and demonstrating confinement. Various generalizations are crucial for computations needed in effective field theories. In lattice gauge theory, Wilson loop calculations face challenges, including excited-state contamination at short times and the signal-to-noise ratio issue at longer times. To address these problems, we develop a new method by using neural networks to parametrize interpolators for the static quark-antiquark pair. We construct gauge-equivariant layers for the network and train it to find the ground state of the system. The trained network itself is then treated as our new observable for the inference. Our results demonstrate a significant improvement in the signal compared to traditional Wilson loops, performing as well as Coulomb-gauge Wilson-line correlators while maintaining gauge invariance. Additionally, we present an example where the optimized ground state is used to measure the static force directly, as well as another example combining this method with the multilevel algorithm. Finally, we extend the formalism to find excited-state interpolators for static quark-antiquark systems. To our knowledge, this work is the first study of neural networks with a physically motivated loss function for Wilson loops.

Bellscheidt, Verena [Massachusetts Inst. of Techno

Improved calculation of optimum design sensitivity

Optimum design parameter sensitivity analysis has become an important topic in recent years. The principal reasons for obtaining optimum design sensitivity information with respect to various problem parameters are (l) to predict revised optimum designs, associated with specified perturbations of the problem parameters, without re-optimizing the problem and, (2) to provide sensitivity information in multilevel optimization strategies. Methods for calculating these derivatives were proposed by several authors. The most important drawback in estimating parameter sensitivities by the current methods is that they do not allow for changes in the active constraint set. Changes in the active constraint set produce discontinuities in the optimum design sensitivities, and therefore, a correct formulation has to be cast in terms of directional derivatives. Optimum design parameter sensitivity analysis is addressed in terms of directional derivatives so as to include possible discontinuities and it also presents a method for estimating optimum design sensitivities using finite differences.

Sepulveda, Abdon E.