The application of small peripheral array processors to the modeling of distributed parameter systems

TLDR: A relatively small and inexpensive peripheral array processor is described to be used to identify and characterize sources of water pollution on the basis of measure ments of pollution concentrations downstream from suspected sources and its performance is evaluated.

Abstract: In the modeling of distributed parameter systems, it is sometimes necessary to utilize system observations to identify or estimate the boundary conditions of the field. For example, in dealing with water resources systems, it may be desired to identify and characterize sources of water pollution on the basis of measurements of pollution concentrations downstream from suspected sources. A computational technique based on pattern recognition has been found to be relatively effective in this application. However, the algorithms involved are highly computation-intensive and therefore tend to place a considerable burden on most conventional digital computer facilities. Array processors, though primarily designed for signal processing are playing an increasingly important role in the modeling and simulation of physical systems. It is a purpose of this paper to describe the application of a relatively small and inexpensive peripheral array processor to this problem and to evaluate its performance.