5 research outputs found
The design and implementation of the Durham university seismic processing system
Get PDFA NERC Research Grant, in late 1978 permitted the Department of Geological Sciences, at the University of Durham, to purchase a pdp 11/34 minicomputer system. Together with a pdp 8/e, already possessed by the Department, this system was intended to fulfill two roles; provide a computer tool for research work into seismic reflection methods and provide a system for production processing of seismic reflection data acquired by the Department, mainly as a result of marine geophysical investigations. This thesis describes the design of Systems level software, and its implementation, to allow the computer systems to be easily used as a general research tool, and the design and implementation of a suite of programs, to provide the basic facilities of a seismic reflection processing system. At the end of this work it was possible to reach a number of conclusions on how both the hardware and software could be developed to provide a more powerful system for the future
ALESEP. Part 2: A computer program for the analysis of leading edge separation bubbles on infinite swept wings
Get PDFA program called ALESEP is presented for the analysis of the inviscid-viscous interaction which occurs due to the presence of a closed laminar-transitional separation bubble on an airfoil or infinite swept wing. The ALESEP code provides an iterative solution of the boundary layer equations expressed in an inverse formulation coupled to a Cauchy integral representation of the inviscid flow. This interaction analysis is treated as a local perturbation to a known solution obtained from a global airfoil analysis; hence, part of the required input to the ALESEP code are the reference displacement thickness and tangential velocity distributions. Special windward differencing may be used in the reversed flow regions of the separation bubble to accurately account for the flow direction in the discretization of the streamwise convection of momentum. The ALESEP code contains a forced transition model based on a streamwise intermittency function, a natural transition model based on a solution of the integral form of the turbulent kinetic energy equation, and an empirical natural transition model
A computer-aided architectural design system for the analysis, synthesis and appraisal of domestic activity spaces and house plans.
Get PDFInvestigations on functional aspects of domestic activity spaces and of other related design theories have led to the formulation of novel design models for the analysis, synthesis and evaluation processes of house design. A theoretical model of the 2—D plan layout of activity spaces was first developed so as to allow appraisal of the space utilisation efficiency of such layouts, taking into account the distribution of elements (predominantly furniture and fittings) and the user space required for using these elements, and also to allow for the development of a model to "assemble" and combine these elements to form activity spaces. For the synthesis design process a model was developed, according to which layouts would be assembled on five design levels, each level being defined by its layout size and type, using modular elements from the lowest of these design levels, which contained a library of domestic planning elements, and taking into account layout design on dimensionally co-ordinated grids. Any intermediate plan level would be worked on, as desired, to arrive at Level 5, the complete floor plan. Subsequently, a computer graphics program was obtained, amended and complemented, which allowed implementation of the synthesis design model, thus providing the interactivity and flexibility required for the "manipulation" of planning elements. For the appraisal design process, a mathematical method of evaluating proportional floor area usage of activity spaces was developed, based on a penalty system containing three main penalty factors: one, a penalty factor based on the cumulative effects and degree of admissibility of overlaps of various elemental sub- areas, each area relating to the nature of the associated activity performed; two, a penalty factor based on the economy of the perimeter length of the activity space; and three, a penalty factor based on the economy of proportional floor area consumption within the activity space. The appraisal process becomes iterative, with various layout alternatives being investigated as the designer attempts to improve solutions towards some optimum layout. A numerical computer program was obtained, substantially rewritten and complemented, so as to enable both numerical and graphical output by separate programs that operated in conjunction with the synthesis graphics program, enabling evaluation of layouts according to the proposed evaluation model. Together with specifications for a computer program which, when implemented, will provide the designer with a design information retrieval system for use at the analysis design process, the developed programs constitute a novel CAAD system,of particular relevance at Stages C (Outline Proposals) and D (Scheme Design) of the R.I.B.A. Plan of Work. The system provides the architect with a flexible design and appraisal technique, which increases the speed and - more importantly - the quality of the architect's work in designing adaptable, marginal layouts. The system also lends itself to a number of other space utilisation applications, as well as forming an excellent basis for design participation
