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

During the last few decades, magnetorheological (MR) elastomers have attracted a significant amount of attention for their enormous potential in engineering applications. Because they are a solid counterpart to MR fluids, MR elastomers exhibit a unique field-dependent material property when exposed to a magnetic field, and they overcome major issues faced in magnetorheological fluids, e.g. the deposition of iron particles, sealing problems and environmental contamination. Such advantages offer great potential for designing intelligent devices to be used in various engineering fields, especially in fields that involve vibration reduction and isolation. This paper presents a state of the art review on the recent progress of MR elastomer technology, with special emphasis on the research and development of MR elastomer devices and their applications. To keep the integrity of the knowledge, this review includes a brief introduction of MR elastomer materials and follows with a discussion of critical issues involved in designing magnetorheological elastomer devices, i.e. operation modes, coil placements and principle fundamentals. A comprehensive review has been presented on the research and development of MR elastomer devices, including vibration absorbers, vibration isolators, base isolators, sensing devices, and so on. A summary of the research on the modeling mechanical behavior for both the material and the devices is presented. Finally, the challenges and the potential facing magnetorheological elastomer technology are discussed, and suggestions have been made based on the authors’ knowledge and experience.

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A state-of-the-art review on magnetorheological elastomer devices

As one of the most important field-responsive intelligent and smart soft matter materials, magnetorheological (MR) fluids, consisting of magneto-responsive magnetizable particles suspended in non-magnetic fluids, have drawn a lot of attentions in both academia and industry as their physical and rheological characteristics can be controlled with external magnetic field strength. In this highlight, preparation methods and MR properties of various magnetic composites with soft magnetic particles and polymers are reviewed. In addition, some industrial applications, such as a MR dampers and a MR polishing, are briefly summarized.

Magnetorheology: materials and application

Meeting future world energy needs while addressing climatic changes has led to greater strain on conventional power sources. One of the viable sustainable energy sources is wind. But the installation large scale wind farms has a potential impact on the climatic conditions, hence a decentralized small scale wind turbines is a sustainable option. This paper presents review of on different types of small scale wind turbines i.e., horizontal axis and vertical axis wind turbines. The performance, blade design, control and manufacturing of horizontal axis wind turbines were reviewed. Vertical axis wind turbines were categorized based on experimental and numerical studies. Also, the positioning of wind turbines and aero-acoustic aspects were presented. Additionally, lessons learnt from various studies/countries on actual installation of small wind turbines were presented.

A review on small scale wind turbines

This paper presents an empirical study of feature extraction methods for the application of low-speed slew bearing condition monitoring. The aim of the study is to find the proper features that represent the degradation condition of slew bearing rotating at very low speed (≈ 1 r/min) with naturally defect. The literature study of existing research, related to feature extraction methods or algorithms in a wide range of applications such as vibration analysis, time series analysis and bio-medical signal processing, is discussed. Some features are applied in vibration slew bearing data acquired from laboratory tests. The selected features such as impulse factor, margin factor, approximate entropy and largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE) show obvious changes in bearing condition from normal condition to final failure.

/pdf/a-review-of-feature-extraction-methods-in-vibration-based-ppn0mrde0k.pdf

A Review of Feature Extraction Methods in Vibration-Based Condition Monitoring and Its Application for Degradation Trend Estimation of Low-Speed Slew Bearing

This paper describes the design, testing and modelling of a magneto-rheological (MR) fluid brake as well as its application in a haptic device. The MR device, in disc shape, is composed of a rotary shaft and plate, an electromagnetic coil, MR fluids, and casings. The working principle of the actuator is discussed and the transmitted torque equation employed by using the Bingham plastic model. The optimal dimensions of the actuator were obtained by finite-element analysis using the COSMOSEMS package. Following manufacturing and fabrication of the actuator prototype, the steady-state performance of the MR actuator was measured using a force gauge. The experimental results show that the actuator exhibits hysteresis behaviour. A sub-hysteresis model was then proposed and the model parameters were identified. Example applications of this actuator in virtual reality are demonstrated.

http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0964-1726/15/6/052/pdf

Development of an MR-brake-based haptic device

Roof mounting site analysis for micro-wind turbines

Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) are smart materials whose mechanical properties, like their modulus and elasticity, can be controlled by an external magnetic field. This feature has resulted in a number of novel applications, such as adaptive tuned dynamic vibration absorbers for suppressing unwanted vibrations over a wide frequency range. MRE-based devices operate in different modes, such as shear mode and squeeze mode; however, the study of mechanical performances of MREs under squeeze mode is very rare. This article aims to investigate MRE performances under both shear and squeeze modes. Experimental studies and simulations were conducted to analyze the MR effect in both modes. These studies indicate a different working frequency ranges for both modes. In a case study, a MRE-based vibration absorber was built up in a simulation and its mechanical performances were analyzed, which demonstrated good capabilities in reducing vibrations.

/pdf/mre-properties-under-shear-and-squeeze-modes-and-1tmideoy4w.pdf

MRE properties under shear and squeeze modes and applications

The paper presents the design and development of a magnetorheological (MR) fluid-based haptic system and studies its applications in virtual reality. The developed system consists of three main parts: MR joystick, control and display hardware, and software. The MR joystick was constructed of two disc-shaped MR actuators positioned perpendicularly with a gimbal structure, which transfers the movement of the joystick handle into two actuator rotary movements. Therefore, operators can feel the resisting force generated by the two actuators. The dimensions of the actuators were optimized using finite element analysis. The steady-state performance of the actuators was measured and a subhysteresis model was proposed to effectively predict the actuator performance. The kinetics of the joystick in terms of working space and resistance was discussed. The applications of the MR joystick in virtual reality were demonstrated by using four typical 2D and 3D interface examples designed with LabVIEW software package.

P.B. Kosasih

Papers

Development of an MR-brake-based haptic device

Roof mounting site analysis for micro-wind turbines

MRE properties under shear and squeeze modes and applications

A 2-DOF MR actuator joystick for virtual reality applications

A 3D dynamic model to investigate wheel–rail contact under high and low adhesion