Parallel Computing in HP-OCP

The most computationally demanding part of structural design optimization is the solution of the FE equations and design of the structural model. Therefore, there is a need for the implementation of strategies that can reduce the computational cost of each iteration and thus manage to achieve the same optimized result with considerable reduction in the optimization time. High Performance Optimization Computing Platform (HP-OCP) is an optimization software developed in C# programming language by ISAAR-NTUA and OptiStructre Ltd. [1] which provides a holistic optimization approach for civil engineering structures. It combines powerful derivative-based and derivative-free optimization algorithms like the Projected Quasi-Newton (PQN), Constrained Optimization by Linear Approximation (COBYLA), Latin Hypercube (LH), Differential Evolution etc. [2] integrated with different structural analysis software's like SAP2000, ETABS & SCIA Engineer utilizing their abilities in finite element analysis and most importantly different design codes into the optimization procedure. To deal with the computational demand deriving from this coupling of optimization algorithms and commercial structural analysis software's parallel computational procedures have been implemented to HP-OCP. These procedures were tested in real world civil engineering problems and produced very good results. Parallel strategies are implemented both at the level of the optimization algorithm, by exploiting the natural parallelization features of the evolutionary algorithms, as well as at the level of the repeated structural analysis problems that are required by the optimization algorithm. The numerical tests presented demonstrate the computational advantages of the proposed parallel strategies, which become more pronounced in large-scale optimization problems.

High Performance Optimization Computing Platform

Structural optimization over the past decades matured from an academic theoretical field, to an important tool in the design procedure in various engineering disciplines. Some commercial software applications provide some suites with optimization solutions, but they are focused mostly in the aeronautics, automotive and aerospace industry. High Performance Optimization Computing Platform (HP-OCP) is a software developed by the ISAAR-NTUA and provides a holistic optimization approach for civil engineering structures. More precisely, HPOCP is a computational suite that has the ability to integrate with several structural analysis and design software and provide optimization solutions. Structural optimization is mainly divided in three groups, sizing (or parametric), shape and topology optimization. All of them are integrated in HP-OCP and the appropriate algorithms are provided in each category. Considering size and shape optimization, the parametric optimization module is developed, in which the design variables of the mathematical formulation can be the dimension of the section properties, the quality of the material, the coordinates of the nodes etc. In this module plenty of derivativebased and derivative-free algorithms are provided like the Projected Quasi-Newton, Constrained Optimization by Linear Approximation, Latin Hypercube Sampling etc. [1]. Considering the topology optimization module [2], the SIMP method is applied and the mathematical algorithms that are implemented are the Optimality Criteria and Method of Moving Asymptotes. HP-OCP was developed in C# programming language, making it a powerful suite that can be integrated with any commercial software that provide Application Programming Interface, batch analysis via XML files or any other type of data exchange format. In the current work the integration of HP-OCP with the SAP2000, ETABS and SCIA Engineering software is presented. Several examples considering parametric and topology optimization problems are examined. Remarkable cost reduction is succeeded in real-world structures, validating in this way the usefulness of HP-OCP not only in the research field but also in applied civil engineering problems

Cross-community context management in Cooperating Smart Spaces

International audienceRecently, social networks have become the most prevalent IT paradigm, as the vast majority of Internet users maintain one or multiple social networking accounts. These accounts, irrespectively of the underlying service, contain rich information and data for the owner's preferences, social skills, everyday activities, beliefs and interests. Along with these services, the computation, sensing and networking capabilities of the state of the art mobile and portable devices, with their always-on mode, assist users in their everyday lives. Thus, the integration of social networking services with current pervasive computing systems could provide the users with the potential to interact with other users that have similar interests, preferences and expectations; and in general, the same or similar context, for limited or not time periods, in order to ameliorate their overall experience, communicate, socialise and improve their everyday activities with minimal effort. This paper introduces a cross-community context management framework that is suitable for Cooperating Smart Spaces, which couple the advantages of pervasive computing and social networking. This framework goes beyond the state of the art, among others, in that cross-community context from a multitude of sources is collected and processed to enhance the end user experience and increase the perceived value of the services provide