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At least 1,279 records · Page 71

Parallel triangularization of substructured finite element problems

Much of the computational effort of the finite element process involves the solution of a system of linear equations. The coefficient matrix of this system, known as the global stiffness matrix, is symmetric, positive definite, and generally sparse. An important technique for reducing the time required to solve this system is substructuring or matrix partitioning. Substructuring is based on the idea of dividing a structure into pieces, each of which can then be analyzed relatively indepenently. As a result of this division, each point in the finite element discretization is either interior to a substructure or on a boundary between substructures. Contributions to the global stiffness matrix from connections between boundary points from the K(bb) matrix are reported. The triangularization of a general K(bb) matrix on a parallel machine is specifically discussed.

Leuze, M. R.↗

An experimental investigation of the parallel blade-vortex interaction

A scheme for investigating the parallel blade vortex interaction (BVI) has been designed and tested. The scheme involves setting a vortex generator upstream of a nonlifting rotor so that the vortex interacts with the blade at the forward azimuth. The method has revealed two propagation mechanisms: a type C shock propagation from the leading edge induced by the vortex at high tip speeds, and a rapid but continuous pressure pulse associated with the proximity of the vortex to the leading edge. The latter is thought to be the more important source. The effects of Mach number and vortex proximity are discussed.

Caradonna, F. X.↗

Solution of partial differential equations on vector and parallel computers

The present status of numerical methods for partial differential equations on vector and parallel computers was reviewed. The relevant aspects of these computers are discussed and a brief review of their development is included, with particular attention paid to those characteristics that influence algorithm selection. Both direct and iterative methods are given for elliptic equations as well as explicit and implicit methods for initial boundary value problems. The intent is to point out attractive methods as well as areas where this class of computer architecture cannot be fully utilized because of either hardware restrictions or the lack of adequate algorithms. Application areas utilizing these computers are briefly discussed.

Ortega, J. M.↗

Where are the parallel algorithms?

Four paradigms that can be useful in developing parallel algorithms are discussed. These include computational complexity analysis, changing the order of computation, asynchronous computation, and divide and conquer. Each is illustrated with an example from scientific computation, and it is shown that computational complexity must be used with great care or an inefficient algorithm may be selected.

Voigt, R. G.↗

CO adsorption on (111) and (100) surfaces of the Pt sub 3 Ti alloy. Evidence for parallel binding and strong activation of CO

The CO adsorption on a 40 atom cluster model of the (111) surface and a 36 atom cluster model of the (100) surface of the Pt3Ti alloy was studied. Parallel binding to high coordinate sites associated with Ti and low CO bond scission barriers are predicted for both surfaces. The binding of CO to Pt sites occurs in an upright orientation. These orientations are a consequence of the nature of the CO pi donation interactions with the surface. On the Ti sites the orbitals donate to the nearly empty Ti 3d band and the antibonding counterpart orbitals are empty. On the Pt sites, however, they are in the filled Pt 5d region of the alloy band, which causes CO to bond in a vertical orientation by 5 delta donation from the carbon end.

Mehandru, S. P.↗

Parallel solution of closely coupled systems

An odd-even permutation and a nested dissection technique were used to circumvent the strong seriality of a system of closely coupled equations. The effect of transforming the n x n Hermitian definite positive matrix coefficient on the topology of Cholesky factors is discussed. A series of directed graphs is constructed in order to show the computational steps required for the odd-even permutation. Numerical expressions for the speed-up and efficiency of parallel N-processing techniques and sequential processing by a single computer are derived. Similar expressions are derived for the case of insufficient processing capacity. The application of the odd-even permutation to the ensemble class of computer architectures is demonstrated.

Utku, S.↗

Reliability and mass analysis of dynamic power conversion systems with parallel of standby redundancy

A combinatorial reliability approach is used to identify potential dynamic power conversion systems for space mission applications. A reliability and mass analysis is also performed, specifically for a 100 kWe nuclear Brayton power conversion system with parallel redundancy. Although this study is done for a reactor outlet temperature of 1100K, preliminary system mass estimates are also included for reactor outlet temperatures ranging up to 1500 K.

Juhasz, A. J.↗

Organization of the channel-switching process in parallel computer systems based on a matrix optical switch

After a classification and analysis of electronic and optoelectronic switching devices, the design principles and structure of a matrix optical switch is described. The switching and pair-exclusion operations in this type of switch are examined, and a method for the optical switching of communication channels is elaborated. Finally, attention is given to the structural organization of a parallel computer system with a matrix optical switch.

Golomidov, Y. V.↗

A high frequency analysis of electromagnetic plane wave scattering by perfectly-conducting semi-infinite parallel plate and rectangular waveguides with absorber coated inner walls

An approximate but sufficiently accurate high frequency solution which combines the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction (UTD) and the aperture integration (AI) method is developed for analyzing the problem of electromagnetic (EM) plane wave scattering by an open-ended, perfectly-conducting, semi-infinite hollow rectangular waveguide (or duct) with a thin, uniform layer of lossy or absorbing material on its inner wall, and with a planar termination inside. In addition, a high frequency solution for the EM scattering by a two dimensional (2-D), semi-infinite parallel plate waveguide with a absorber coating on the inner walls is also developed as a first step before analyzing the open-ended semi-infinite three dimensional (3-D) rectangular waveguide geometry. The total field scattered by the semi-infinite waveguide consists firstly of the fields scattered from the edges of the aperture at the open-end, and secondly of the fields which are coupled into the waveguide from the open-end and then reflected back from the interior termination to radiate out of the open-end. The first contribution to the scattered field can be found directly via the UTD ray method. The second contribution is found via the AI method which employs rays to describe the fields in the aperture that arrive there after reflecting from the interior termination. It is assumed that the direction of the incident plane wave and the direction of observation lie well inside the forward half space tht exists outside the half space containing the semi-infinite waveguide geometry. Also, the medium exterior to the waveguide is assumed to be free space.

Noh, H. M.↗

The stability of dissipative magnetohydrodynamic shear flow in a parallel magnetic field

The linear stability properties of dissipative field-aligned shear flow are described analytically. The results are used to calculate the decay bounds of linearized perturbations occurring in unbounded planes of Couette flow in a parallel magnetic field. It is shown that the perturbations associated with small-amplitude localized disturbances may take the form of rolls along the shear, and exhibit ordinary potential decay, while misaligned perturbations exhibit enhanced decay in the presence of dissipation. A decay criterion is established for MHD shear flow in an accretion disk on the basis of the analytical results.

Lerner, J.↗

Isolated and interacting round parallel heated jets

An experimental study of the flowfield of heated and unheated single and dual jet configurations was performed. This study of two parallel jets is unique since most previous aerodynamic structure experiments were limited to single round and two-dimensional jets. The present closely spaced dual jet geometry was motivated by the potential jet noise reduction available from this configuration. This geometry has shown promise as a method for redirecting jet noise away from ground based observers in side by side or over/under turbofan engine mountings on aircraft (Simonich et al., 1984). Since the effectiveness of this noise reduction technique is based on the existence of two independent jets, an understanding of the aerodynamics of the merging process is essential to establishing the acoustic benefits. The experimental program was structured so that Mach number, jet exit temperature, and spacing to diameter ratios could be independently varied to isolate each effect.

Simonich, J. C.↗

An experimental investigation of the parallel blade-vortex interaction

A scheme for investigating the parallel blade vortex interaction (BVI) has been designed and tested. The scheme involves setting a vortex generator upstream of a nonlifting rotor so that the vortex interacts with the blade at the forward azimuth. The method has revealed two propagation mechanisms: a type C shock propagation from the leading edge induced by the vortex at high tip speeds, and a rapid but continuous pressure pulse associated with the proximity of the vortex to the leading edge. The latter is thought to be the more important source. The effects of Mach number and vortex proximity are discussed.

Caradonna, F. X.↗

Solution of partial differential equations on vector and parallel computers

The present status of numerical methods for partial differential equations on vector and parallel computers was reviewed. The relevant aspects of these computers are discussed and a brief review of their development is included, with particular attention paid to those characteristics that influence algorithm selection. Both direct and iterative methods are given for elliptic equations as well as explicit and implicit methods for initial boundary value problems. The intent is to point out attractive methods as well as areas where this class of computer architecture cannot be fully utilized because of either hardware restrictions or the lack of adequate algorithms. Application areas utilizing these computers are briefly discussed.

Ortega, J. M.↗

Radiative transfer in a sphere illuminated by a parallel beam - An integral equation approach

The problem of multiple scattering of nonpolarized light in a planetary body of arbitrary shape illuminated by a parallel beam is formulated using the integral equation approach. There exists a simple functional whose stationarity condition is equivalent to solving the equation of radiative transfer and whose value at the stationary point is proportional to the differential cross section. The analysis reveals a direct relation between the microscopic symmetry of the phase function for each scattering event and the macroscopic symmetry of the differential cross section for the entire planetary body, and the interconnection of these symmetry relations and the variational principle. The case of a homogeneous sphere containing isotropic scatterers is investigated in detail. It is shown that the solution can be expanded in a multipole series such that the general spherical problem is reduced to solving a set of decoupled integral equations in one dimension. Computations have been performed for a range of parameters of interest, and illustrative examples of applications to planetary problems as provided.

Shia, R.-L.↗

Extended testing of a general contextual classifier using the massively parallel processor - Preliminary results and test plans

Earlier encouraging test results of a contextual classifier that combines spatial and spectral information employing a general statistical approach are expanded. The earlier results were of limited meaning because they were produced from small (50-by-50 pixel) data sets. An implementation of the contextual classifier on NASA Goddard's Massively Parallel Processor (MPP) is presented; for the first time the MPP makes feasible the testing of the classifier on large data sets (a 12-hour test on a VAX-11/780 minicomputer now takes 5 minutes on the MPP). The MPP is a Single-Instruction, Multiple Data Stream computer, consisting of 16,384 bit serial microprocessors connected in a 128-by-128 mesh array with each element having data transfer connections with its four nearest neighbors so that the MPP is capable of billions of operations per second. Preliminary results are given (with more expected for the conference) and plans are mentioned for extended testing of the contextual classifier on Thematic Mapper data sets.

Tilton, J. C.↗

The motion of ions specularly reflected off a quasi-parallel shock in the presence of large-amplitude, monochromatic MHD waves

A model is used to examine the motion of specularly reflected ions in the presence of large-amplitude, monochromatic, transverse MHD waves. The calculations of ion trajectories are described. The heating downstream from the quasi-parallel bow shock is analyzed. The relationship between the specularly reflected ions and their gyrospeeds and guiding center speeds is studied. The data reveal that the characteristics of the motion depend on the frequency, wavelength, phase, and amplitude of the wave that is converted into the shock.

Fuselier, S. A.↗

State-plane analysis of parallel resonant converter

A method for analyzing the complex operation of a parallel resonant converter is developed, utilizing graphical state-plane techniques. The comprehensive mode analysis uncovers, for the first time, the presence of other complex modes besides the continuous conduction mode and the discontinuous conduction mode and determines their theoretical boundaries. Based on the insight gained from the analysis, a novel, high-frequency resonant buck converter is proposed. The voltage conversion ratio of the new converter is almost independent of load.

Oruganti, R.↗

Transition to unstable ion flow in parallel electric fields

The stability of ionospheric O(+)-H(+) outflows accelerated by a nonambipolar parallel electric field is considered under conditions where the ion motion initially develops adiabatically and the ambient plasma is vertically stratified with an effective temperature that increases with altitude. Such conditions are expected near the bottom of the auroral acceleration region where ion and electron streaming instabilities first develop. It is shown for a particular equilibrium profile that the differentially accelerated ion flows become unstable within about 100 km from their entry point in the acceleration region. At O(+)/H(+) density ratios less than about 9, the instability is dominated by a violent H(+)-O(+) two-stream interaction which couples the O(+) and H(+) acoustic modes, and which mediates a transition to nonadiabatic acceleration. At higher altitudes and/or larger O(+)/H(+) density ratios, a much weaker resonant instability exists, which is driven by the relative drift between electrons and O(+) or H(+) ions. The results suggest that the H(+)-O(+) two-stream instability may be a viable mechanism for heating upflowing auroral ions.

Bergmann, R.↗