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At least 73 records · Page 4

A parallel strategy for implementing real-time expert systems using CLIPS

As evidenced by current literature, there appears to be a continued interest in the study of real-time expert systems. It is generally recognized that speed of execution is only one consideration when designing an effective real-time expert system. Some other features one must consider are the expert system's ability to perform temporal reasoning, handle interrupts, prioritize data, contend with data uncertainty, and perform context focusing as dictated by the incoming data to the expert system. This paper presents a strategy for implementing a real time expert system on the iPSC/860 hypercube parallel computer using CLIPS. The strategy takes into consideration not only the execution time of the software, but also those features which define a true real-time expert system. The methodology is then demonstrated using a practical implementation of an expert system which performs diagnostics on the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). This particular implementation uses an eight node hypercube to process ten sensor measurements in order to simultaneously diagnose five different failure modes within the SSME. The main program is written in ANSI C and embeds CLIPS to better facilitate and debug the rule based expert system.

Ilyes, Laszlo A.

Progress in the Simulation of Steady and Time-Dependent Flows with 3D Parallel Unstructured Cartesian Methods

The proposed paper will present recent extensions in the development of an efficient Euler solver for adaptively-refined Cartesian meshes with embedded boundaries. The paper will focus on extensions of the basic method to include solution adaptation, time-dependent flow simulation, and arbitrary rigid domain motion. The parallel multilevel method makes use of on-the-fly parallel domain decomposition to achieve extremely good scalability on large numbers of processors, and is coupled with an automatic coarse mesh generation algorithm for efficient processing by a multigrid smoother. Numerical results are presented demonstrating parallel speed-ups of up to 435 on 512 processors. Solution-based adaptation may be keyed off truncation error estimates using tau-extrapolation or a variety of feature detection based refinement parameters. The multigrid method is extended to for time-dependent flows through the use of a dual-time approach. The extension to rigid domain motion uses an Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerlarian (ALE) formulation, and results will be presented for a variety of two- and three-dimensional example problems with both simple and complex geometry.

Aftosmis, M. J.

Are highly parallel systems ready for prime time?

This is the edited and abbreviated transcript of a panel discussion held on May 9, 1989, in Los Angeles, during the conference "Parallel Computational Fluid Dynamics-Implementations and Results Using MIMD Computers." The purpose of the conference was to discuss recent developments in the use of MIMD parallel computers in high-performance computational fluid dynamics. The intent of the panel discussion was to summarize the findings of the meeting, and to give a perspective on the state of the art in using parallel computers for solving large-scale engineering and scientific application problems. The panelists were Creon Levit (NAS Systems Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California), Kent Misegades (Cray Research, Inc., Mendota Heights, Minnesota), Gary Montry (Myrias Computer Corporation, Albuquerque, New Mexico), Ken Neves (Boeing Computer Services, Seattle, Washington), Anthony Patera (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts), and Justin Rattner (Intel Scientific Computers, Beaverton, Oregon).

Simon, Horst D.

Modeling algorithm execution time on processor arrays

An approach to modelling the execution time of algorithms on parallel arrays is presented. This time is expressed as a function of the number of processors and system parameters. The resulting model has been applied to a parallel implementation of the conjugate-gradient algorithm on NASA's FEM. Results of experiments performed to compare the model predictions against actual behavior show that the floating-point arithmetic, communication, and synchronization components of the parallel algorithm execution time were correctly modelled. The results also show that the overhead caused by the interaction of the system software and the actual parallel hardware must be reflected in the model parameters. The model has been used to predict the performance of the conjugate gradient algorithm on a given problem as the number of processors and machine characteristics varied.

Adams, L. M.

Operator assistant to support deep space network link monitor and control

Preparing the Deep Space Network (DSN) stations to support spacecraft missions (referred to as pre-cal, for pre-calibration) is currently an operator and time intensive activity. Operators are responsible for sending and monitoring several hundred operator directivities, messages, and warnings. Operator directives are used to configure and calibrate the various subsystems (antenna, receiver, etc.) necessary to establish a spacecraft link. Messages and warnings are issued by the subsystems upon completion of an operation, changes of status, or an anomalous condition. Some points of pre-cal are logically parallel. Significant time savings could be realized if the existing Link Monitor and Control system (LMC) could support the operator in exploiting the parallelism inherent in pre-cal activities. Currently, operators may work on the individual subsystems in parallel, however, the burden of monitoring these parallel operations resides solely with the operator. Messages, warnings, and directives are all presented as they are received; without being correlated to the event that triggered them. Pre-cal is essentially an overhead activity. During pre-cal, no mission is supported, and no other activity can be performed using the equipment in the link. Therefore, it is highly desirable to reduce pre-cal time as much as possible. One approach to do this, as well as to increase efficiency and reduce errors, is the LMC Operator Assistant (OA). The LMC OA prototype demonstrates an architecture which can be used in concert with the existing LMC to exploit parallelism in pre-cal operations while providing the operators with a true monitoring capability, situational awareness and positive control. This paper presents an overview of the LMC OA architecture and the results from initial prototyping and test activities.

Cooper, Lynne P.

Online assessment of a distributed processor

ORT (Operational Readiness Test) software allows one engineer to test readiness of 64 minicomputers and their peripherals from single console. Software makes roll call of computers and peripherals via common data buffer to check readiness of system in morning "wake up" or at other important times. Subsystems are tested in parallel to save time. "Watchdog" terminates test of any system that does not respond in time, so one failed system does not halt test sequence. Entire rollcall is complete in about 15 minutes. Software is designed for Space Shuttle prelaunch checkout, but approach should interest users of similar equipment.

Ehrlich, L. F.

A piloted comparison of elastic and rigid blade-element rotor models using parallel processing technology

A piloted comparison of rigid and aeroelastic blade-element rotor models was conducted at the Crew Station Research and Development Facility (CSRDF) at Ames Research Center. FLIGHTLAB, a new simulation development and analysis tool, was used to implement these models in real time using parallel processing technology. Pilot comments and quantitative analysis performed both on-line and off-line confirmed that elastic degrees of freedom significantly affect perceived handling qualities. Trim comparisons show improved correlation with flight test data when elastic modes are modeled. The results demonstrate the efficiency with which the mathematical modeling sophistication of existing simulation facilities can be upgraded using parallel processing, and the importance of these upgrades to simulation fidelity.

Hill, Gary

Comparisons of elastic and rigid blade-element rotor models using parallel processing technology for piloted simulations

A piloted comparison of rigid and aeroelastic blade-element rotor models was conducted at the Crew Station Research and Development Facility (CSRDF) at Ames Research Center. A simulation development and analysis tool, FLIGHTLAB, was used to implement these models in real time using parallel processing technology. Pilot comments and quantitative analysis performed both on-line and off-line confirmed that elastic degrees of freedom significantly affect perceived handling qualities. Trim comparisons show improved correlation with flight test data when elastic modes are modeled. The results demonstrate the efficiency with which the mathematical modeling sophistication of existing simulation facilities can be upgraded using parallel processing, and the importance of these upgrades to simulation fidelity.

Hill, Gary

Comparison of elastic and rigid blade-element rotor models using parallel processing technology for piloted simulations

A piloted comparison of rigid and aeroelastic blade-element rotor models was conducted at the Crew Station Research and Development Facility (CSRDF) at Ames Research Center. A simulation development and analysis tool, FLIGHTLAB, was used to implement these models in real time using parallel processing technology. Pilot comments and qualitative analysis performed both on-line and off-line confirmed that elastic degrees of freedom significantly affect perceived handling qualities. Trim comparisons show improved correlation with flight test data when elastic modes are modeled. The results demonstrate the efficiency with which the mathematical modeling sophistication of existing simulation facilities can be upgraded using parallel processing, and the importance of these upgrades to simulation fidelity.

Hill, Gary

Parallel Rendering of Large Time-Varying Volume Data

Interactive visualization of large time-varying 3D volume datasets has been and still is a great challenge to the modem computational world. It stretches the limits of the memory capacity, the disk space, the network bandwidth and the CPU speed of a conventional computer. In this SURF project, we propose to develop a parallel volume rendering program on SGI's Prism, a cluster computer equipped with state-of-the-art graphic hardware. The proposed program combines both parallel computing and hardware rendering in order to achieve an interactive rendering rate. We use 3D texture mapping and a hardware shader to implement 3D volume rendering on each workstation. We use SGI's VisServer to enable remote rendering using Prism's graphic hardware. And last, we will integrate this new program with ParVox, a parallel distributed visualization system developed at JPL. At the end of the project, we Will demonstrate remote interactive visualization using this new hardware volume renderer on JPL's Prism System using a time-varying dataset from selected JPL applications.

Garbutt, Alexander E.

Modeling and measuring multiprogramming and system overheads on a shared-memory multiprocessor - Case study

The present discussion of methods for quantifying multiprogramming (MP) overhead on a computer system illustrates two such techniques, respectively for quantifying MP overheads' lower bound and determining the MP overload of real workloads, in light of the percentage of parallel processing time that is consumed by MP overhead on Alliant multiprocessors. Kernel lock spinning is found to be a major factor in MP overhead, which accounts for more than half of total system overhead. It is noted that parallel environments' MP overhead is not statistically dependent on the number of parallel jobs undergoing multiprogramming.

Dimpsey, Robert T.

Use of networked workstations for parallel nonlinear structural dynamic simulations of rotating bladed-disk assemblies

The principal objective of this research is to investigate, develop and demonstrate coarse-grained, parallel-processing strategies for nonlinear dynamic simulations for rotating bladed-disk assemblies. The parallel -processing strategies addressed include numerical algorithms for parallel nonlinear solutions and techniques to effect load balancing among processors. The parallel environment employed is a distributed-memory, coarse-grained one consisting of networked workstations. A parallel explicit time integration method has been implemented for transient nonlinear solutions of rotationg bladed-disk assemblies. Automatic domain partitioning techniques have been investigated for load balancing among processors. Advanced computing environments, data structures and interactive computer graphics all contribute to an integrated parallel finite element analysis system to facilitate more efficient and powerful dynamic simulations.

Hsieh, Shang-Hsien

A Parallel, Finite-Volume Algorithm for Large-Eddy Simulation of Turbulent Flows

A parallel, finite-volume algorithm has been developed for large-eddy simulation (LES) of compressible turbulent flows. This algorithm includes piecewise linear least-square reconstruction, trilinear finite-element interpolation, Roe flux-difference splitting, and second-order MacCormack time marching. Parallel implementation is done using the message-passing programming model. In this paper, the numerical algorithm is described. To validate the numerical method for turbulence simulation, LES of fully developed turbulent flow in a square duct is performed for a Reynolds number of 320 based on the average friction velocity and the hydraulic diameter of the duct. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) results are available for this test case, and the accuracy of this algorithm for turbulence simulations can be ascertained by comparing the LES solutions with the DNS results. The effects of grid resolution, upwind numerical dissipation, and subgrid-scale dissipation on the accuracy of the LES are examined. Comparison with DNS results shows that the standard Roe flux-difference splitting dissipation adversely affects the accuracy of the turbulence simulation. For accurate turbulence simulations, only 3-5 percent of the standard Roe flux-difference splitting dissipation is needed.

Bui, Trong T.

Applications of Parallel Processing in Configuration Analyses

The paper presents the recent progress made towards developing an efficient and user-friendly parallel environment for routine analysis of large CFD problems. The coarse-grain parallel version of the CFL3D Euler/Navier-Stokes analysis code, CFL3Dhp, has been ported onto most available parallel platforms. The CFL3Dhp solution accuracy on these parallel platforms has been verified with the CFL3D sequential analyses. User-friendly pre- and post-processing tools that enable a seamless transfer from sequential to parallel processing have been written. Static load balancing tool for CFL3Dhp analysis has also been implemented for achieving good parallel efficiency. For large problems, load balancing efficiency as high as 95% can be achieved even when large number of processors are used. Linear scalability of the CFL3Dhp code with increasing number of processors has also been shown using a large installed transonic nozzle boattail analysis. To highlight the fast turn-around time of parallel processing, the TCA full configuration in sideslip Navier-Stokes drag polar at supersonic cruise has been obtained in a day. CFL3Dhp is currently being used as a production analysis tool.

Sundaram, Ppchuraman

Transient finite element computations on the transputer system

The aim was to study the solution of transient finite element problems on the Transputer system of parallel processors. The central difference time integration rule was used so that no equation solving was necessary. Also investigated was subcycling time integration which uses different time steps in different subdomains of the finite element mesh. A one-dimensional bar problem was analyzed using the parallel time integration algorithm. This involves subdividing the bar into subproblems which are assigned to different processors. Results show that the significant speed-up can be obtained through parallel processing. Also subcycling can give an additional speed-up in certain classes of problems. A two-dimensional problem was also examined to evaluate the effect of the communication to computation ratio on solution time.

Smolinski, Patrick J.