Three parallel algorithms for classical molecular dynamics are presented. The first assigns each processor a fixed subset of atoms; the second assigns each a fixed subset of inter-atomic forces to compute; the third assigns each a fixed spatial region. The algorithms are suitable for molecular dynamics models which can be difficult to parallelize efficiently—those with short-range forces where the neighbors of each atom change rapidly. They can be implemented on any distributed-memory parallel machine which allows for message-passing of data between independently executing processors. The algorithms are tested on a standard Lennard-Jones benchmark problem for system sizes ranging from 500 to 100,000,000 atoms on several parallel supercomputers--the nCUBE 2, Intel iPSC/860 and Paragon, and Cray T3D. Comparing the results to the fastest reported vectorized Cray Y-MP and C90 algorithm shows that the current generation of parallel machines is competitive with conventional vector supercomputers even for small problems. For large problems, the spatial algorithm achieves parallel efficiencies of 90% and a 1840-node Intel Paragon performs up to 165 faster than a single Cray C9O processor. Trade-offs between the three algorithms and guidelines for adapting them to more complex molecular dynamics simulations are also discussed.

Fast parallel algorithms for short-range molecular dynamics

This introduction begins with a brief history of SHM technology development. Recent research has begun to recognise that a productive approach to the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) problem is to regard it as one of statistical pattern recognition (SPR); a paradigm addressing the problem in such a way is described in detail herein as it forms the basis for the organisation of this book. In the process of providing the historical overview and summarising the SPR paradigm, the subsequent chapters in this book are cited in an effort to show how they fit into this overview of SHM. In the conclusions are stated a number of technical challenges that the authors believe must be addressed if SHM is to gain wider acceptance.

An introduction to structural health monitoring

Human skin is a remarkable organ. It consists of an integrated, stretchable network of sensors that relay information about tactile and thermal stimuli to the brain, allowing us to maneuver within our environment safely and effectively. Interest in large-area networks of electronic devices inspired by human skin is motivated by the promise of creating autonomous intelligent robots and biomimetic prosthetics, among other applications. The development of electronic networks comprised of flexible, stretchable, and robust devices that are compatible with large-area implementation and integrated with multiple functionalities is a testament to the progress in developing an electronic skin (e-skin) akin to human skin. E-skins are already capable of providing augmented performance over their organic counterpart, both in superior spatial resolution and thermal sensitivity. They could be further improved through the incorporation of additional functionalities (e.g., chemical and biological sensing) and desired properties (e.g., biodegradability and self-powering). Continued rapid progress in this area is promising for the development of a fully integrated e-skin in the near future.

25th Anniversary Article: The Evolution of Electronic Skin (E-Skin): A Brief History, Design Considerations, and Recent Progress

Permanently cross-linked materials have outstanding mechanical properties and solvent resistance, but they cannot be processed and reshaped once synthesized Non–cross-linked polymers and those with reversible cross-links are processable, but they are soluble We designed epoxy networks that can rearrange their topology by exchange reactions without depolymerization and showed that they are insoluble and processable Unlike organic compounds and polymers whose viscosity varies abruptly near the glass transition, these networks show Arrhenius-like gradual viscosity variations like those of vitreous silica Like silica, the materials can be wrought and welded to make complex objects by local heating without the use of molds The concept of a glass made by reversible topology freezing in epoxy networks can be readily scaled up for applications and generalized to other chemistries

Silica-Like Malleable Materials from Permanent Organic Networks

The controlled synthesis of monodisperse nanospheres faces a number of difficulties, such as extensive crosslinking during hydrothermal processes. Here, the authors show a route for the controlled synthesis of mesoporous polymer nanospheres, which can be further converted into carbon nanospheres through carbonization.

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A facile soft-template synthesis of mesoporous polymeric and carbonaceous nanospheres

Elastic waves in a composite containing inhomogeneous fibers

This paper is concerned with the calculation of elastic wavefields in strongly heterogeneous media containing scatterers of arbitrary shape and size. A hybrid method is described in which the elastodynamic field within a finite region enclosing the scatterers is modelled by finite elements while the field away from this region is represented by means of a suitable set of wave functions. Application of a variational principle and the continuity conditions at the interface between the two regions lead to a system of linear equations that is solved by standard techniques. The hybrid method extends the applicability of the finite element method to wave propagation problems in unbounded media by rigorously modelling the radiation field. The method is used to calculate the elastodynamic field in a plate of finite thickness and infinite lateral dimensions containing geometric discontinuities.

/pdf/a-semi-numerical-method-for-elastic-wave-scattering-3t0xinvicb.pdf

A semi-numerical method for elastic wave scattering calculations

The interaction of time harmonic elastic waves with an edge crack in a plate is studied. The crack is assumed to be normal to the plate surface and its depth small compared to plate thickness. Only plane strain deformations are considered. The incident waves are assumed to be either plane body waves (compressional (P) or inplane shear (SV) ) of arbitrary angle of propagation or surface Rayleigh waves propagating at right angles to the crack. For each incident wave type the complete high frequency diffracted field on the plate surface is calculated. Solution is obtained by the application of an asymptotic theory of diffraction. Application to ultrasonic inspection techniques is indicated.

Ajit Mal

Papers

Elastic waves in a composite containing inhomogeneous fibers

A semi-numerical method for elastic wave scattering calculations

Diffraction of Elastic Waves by a Surface Crack on a Plate

A note on the low frequency diffraction of elastic waves by a Griffith crack

Dynamic stress intensity factor for a non-axisymmetric loading of the penny shaped crack