A tabu search heuristic for routing in WDM networks.

Optical networks and Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (WDM) have been widely studied and utilized in recent years. By exploiting the huge bandwidth of optical networks, WDM appears to be one of the most promising technologies to meet the dramatically increased demand for bandwidth. Since optical resources in optical networks are very expensive, development of dynamic lightpath allocation strategies, which utilize network resource efficiently, is an important area of research. We assume that there is no optical wavelength conversion device in the network, and the wavelength-continuity constraint must be satisfied. Exact optimization techniques are typically too time-consuming to be useful for practical-sized networks. In this thesis we present a tabu search based heuristic approach which is used to establish an optimal lightpath dynamically in response to a new communication request in a WDM network. As far as we know, this is the first investigation using tabu search techniques for dynamical lightpath allocation in WDM networks. We have tested our approach with networks having different sizes. And then we have compared our results with those obtained using the MILP approach. In the vast majority of cases, tabu search was able to quickly generate a solution that was optimal or near-optimal, indicating that tabu search is a promising approach for the dynamic lightpath allocation problem in WDM networks. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2004 .W36. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-01, page: 0247. Advisers: Subir Bandyopadhyay; Arunita Jaekel. Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2004

Bibliography of Lewis Research Center technical publications announced in 1993

This compilation of abstracts describes and indexes the technical reporting that resulted from the scientific and engineering work performed and managed by the Lewis Research Center in 1993. All the publications were announced in the 1993 issues of STAR (Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports) and/or IAA (International Aerospace Abstracts). Included are research reports, journal articles, conference presentations, patents and patent applications, and theses

NASA Tech Briefs, June 1992

Topics covered include: New Product Ideas; Electronic Components and Circuits; Electronic Systems; Physical Sciences; Materials; Computer Programs; Mechanics; Machinery; Fabrication Technology; Mathematics and Information Sciences; Life Sciences

Applications of aerospace technology in biology and medicine

Utilization of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) technology in medicine is discussed. The objective is best obtained by stimulation of the introduction of new or improved commercially available medical products incorporating aerospace technology. A bipolar donor/recipient model of medical technology transfer is presented to provide a basis for the team's methodology. That methodology is designed to: (1) identify medical problems and NASA technology that, in combination, constitute opportunities for successful medical products; (2) obtain the early participation of industry in the transfer process; and (3) obtain acceptance by the medical community of new medical products based on NASA technology. Two commercial transfers were completed: the Stowaway, a lightweight wheelchair that provides mobility for the disabled and elderly in the cabin of commercial aircraft, and Micromed, a portable medication infusion pump for the reliable, continuous infusion of medications such as heparin or insulin. The marketing and manufacturing factors critical to the commercialization of the lightweight walker incorporating composite materials were studied. Progress was made in the development and commercialization of each of the 18 currently active projects

The NASA SBIR product catalog

The purpose of this catalog is to assist small business firms in making the community aware of products emerging from their efforts in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. It contains descriptions of some products that have advanced into Phase 3 and others that are identified as prospective products. Both lists of products in this catalog are based on information supplied by NASA SBIR contractors in responding to an invitation to be represented in this document. Generally, all products suggested by the small firms were included in order to meet the goals of information exchange for SBIR results. Of the 444 SBIR contractors NASA queried, 137 provided information on 219 products. The catalog presents the product information in the technology areas listed in the table of contents. Within each area, the products are listed in alphabetical order by product name and are given identifying numbers. Also included is an alphabetical listing of the companies that have products described. This listing cross-references the product list and provides information on the business activity of each firm. In addition, there are three indexes: one a list of firms by states, one that lists the products according to NASA Centers that managed the SBIR projects, and one that lists the products by the relevant Technical Topics utilized in NASA's annual program solicitation under which each SBIR project was selected