Parallel Processing of First Order Linear Recurrence on SMP Machines

In this paper, we propose a new algorithm that analyzes the data dependency pattern in the first-order linear recurrence (FOLR) and transforms it into algebraically equivalent expanded form so that it can be processed in parallel using the threads on symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) machines. The transformation aims to eliminate the data dependencies in the naive nested form of the FOLR. However, as this transformation may result in extra multiplication operations, our algorithm examines the immanent overhead of the expanded form of the FOLR and generates a new hybrid form of the FOLR. The hybrid form combines nested and appropriately expanded form in order to make it suitable for parallel processing. The parallel algorithm based on the hybrid form of the FOLR is analytically examined and tested through implementation on SMP machines. The implementation details, such as the workload balancing between processors and the optimization of cache performance, are also discussed. The experimental results show that the parallel algorithm based on the hybrid form of the FOLR considerably improves the performance on SMP machines that have three of more processors.     

Optimal timeslot and channel allocation considering fairness for multicell CDMA/TDD systems

The CDMA/TDD system is a highly attractive solution to support the next generation cellular mobile systems which provide unbalanced multimedia services between downlink and uplink. In this paper, we analyze the interference for downlink and uplink timeslots in a multicell CDMA/TDD system. We also mathematically formulate an optimal timeslot and channel allocation problem considering capacity fairness among cells, which is to maximize the system capacity under the given traffic unbalance, and propose an efficient algorithm based on the simulated annealing technique. Extensive experimental results show that the proposed scheme yields a good performance, and fairness among cells improves with a decrease in the system capacity.     

Electron-Impact Cross Sections for Ground State to np Excitations of Sodium and Potassium

Cross sections for electron impact excitation of atoms are important for modeling of low temperature plasmas and gases. While there are many experimental and theoretical results for excitation to the first excited states, little information is available for excitation to higher states. We present here calculations of excitations from the ground state to the np levels of sodium (n = 3 through 11) and potassium (n = 4 through 12). We also present a calculation for a transition from the excited sodium level 3p to 3d to show the generality of the method. Scaling formulas developed earlier by Kim [Phys. Rev. A 64, 032713 (2001)] for plane-wave Born cross sections are used. These formulas have been shown to be remarkably accurate yet simple to use. We have used a core polarization potential in a Dirac-Fock wave function code to calculate target atom wave functions and a matching form of the dipole transition operator to calculate oscillator strengths and Born cross sections. The scaled Born results here for excitation to the first excited levels are in very good agreement with experimental and other theoretical data, and the results for excitation to the next few levels are in satisfactory agreement with the limited data available. The present results for excitation to the higher levels are believed to be the only data available.     

Exact static element stiffness matrices of non‐symmetric thin‐walled curved beams

An evaluation procedure of exact static stiffness matrices for curved beams with non‐symmetric thin‐walled cross section are rigorously presented for the static analysis. Higher‐order differential equations for a uniform curved beam element are first transformed into a set of the first‐order simultaneous ordinary differential equations by introducing 14 displacement parameters where displacement modes corresponding to zero eigenvalues are suitably taken into account. This numerical technique is then accomplished via a generalized linear eigenvalue problem with non‐symmetric matrices. Next, the displacement functions of displacement parameters are exactly calculated by determining general solutions of simultaneous non‐homogeneous differential equations. Finally an exact stiffness matrix is evaluated using force–deformation relationships. In order to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of this method, displacements and normal stresses of cantilever thin‐walled curved beams subjected to tip loads are evaluated and compared with those by thin‐walled curved beam elements as well as shell elements. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Two simple and efficient displacement‐based quadrilateral elements for the analysis of composite laminated plates

Two simple 4‐node 20‐DOF and 4‐node 24‐DOF displacement‐based quadrilateral elements named RDKQ‐L20 and RDKQ‐L24 are developed in this paper based on the first‐order shear deformation theory (FSDT) for linear analysis of thin to moderately thick laminates. The deflection and rotation functions of the element sides are obtained from Timoshenko's laminated composite beam functions. Linear displacement interpolation functions of the standard 4‐node quadrilateral isoparametric plane element and displacement functions of a quadrilateral plane element with drilling degrees of freedom are taken as in‐plane displacements of the proposed elements RDKQ‐L20 and RDKQ‐L24, respectively. Due to the application of Timoshenko's laminated composite beam functions, convergence can be ensured theoretically for very thin laminates. The elements are simple in formulation, and shear‐locking free for extremely thin laminates even with full integration. A hybrid‐enhanced procedure is employed to improve the accuracy of stress analysis, especially for transverse shear stresses. Numerical tests show that the new elements are convergent, not sensitive to mesh distortion, accurate and efficient for analysis of thin to moderately thick laminates. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Elastic-plastic fracture mechanics assessment of test data for circumferential cracked pipes

This paper presents experimental validation of two reference stress based methods for circumferential cracked pipes. One is the R6 method where the reference stress is defined by the plastic limit load. The other is the enhanced reference stress method, recently proposed by the authors, where the reference stress is defined by the optimised reference load. Using 38 published pipe test data, the predicted maximum instability loads according to both methods are compared with the experimental ones for pipes with circumferential through-thickness cracks and with part circumferential surface cracks. It is found that the R6 method gives conservative estimates of the maximum loads for all cases. Ratios of the experimental maximum load to the predicted load range from 0.54 to 0.98. On the other hand, the proposed method gives overall closer maximum loads than R6, compared to the experimental data. However, for part through-thickness surface cracks, the estimated loads were slightly non-conservative for four cases, and possible reasons are fully discussed.     

Experimental study on RC beams with FRP strips bonded with rubber modified resins

This paper presents the effects of adhesive properties on structural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) strips. The epoxy adhesives modified with liquid rubber of different content were used to bond the CFRP strips, and four point bending experiments were carried out on RC beams. The experimental results show that different CFRP strip thickness of 0.22 and 0.44 mm resulted in a transition of failure mechanism from interfacial debonding along the CFRP-concrete interface to concrete cover separation starting from the end of CFRP strips in the concrete. Moreover, it is suggested that no matter interfacial debonding or concrete cover separation, the rubber modifier enhanced the structural performance by increasing the maximum load-carrying capacity and the corresponding ductility, compared with the beams bonded with a neat epoxy resin. The improvement of structural performance due to modified adhesive was associated with the modification of stress profiles along the CFRP-concrete interface especially the stress concentration at the end of FRP, and the enhanced interlaminar fracture toughness. Rubber modified epoxy therefore is worth further studying in practical repair applications.     

Experimental study of the gravity effect on the distribution of refrigerant flow in a multi-pass condenser

Gravity in multi-pass condensers affects the refrigerant flow rate distribution, owing to the gravitational pressure drop that occurs mainly in the U-bend tubes in fin and tube condensers with horizontal tubes. This effect was studied using an experimental approach. A condenser with two ‘nU’ circuits was selected, and the temperature variation of the refrigerant side was measured and compared along each circuit. The critical air velocity, which indicated the initiation of the gravity effect, was found for a given refrigerant flow rate. As the air velocity increased beyond the critical air velocity, the gravity effect (or mal-distribution of the refrigerant flow) developed further. Similarly, the critical refrigerant flow rate was also determined for a given air velocity. As the refrigerant flow rate decreased below the critical refrigerant flow rate, the gravity effect also developed further. The gravity-affected region was shown in the table with rows of air velocities and columns of refrigerant flow rates, and expressed using a single parameter for a given refrigerant flow circuit.