Simultaneous Pseudo-Timestepping for PDE-Model Based Optimization Problems

In this paper we present a new method for the solution of optimization problems with PDE constraints. It is based on simultaneous pseudo-time stepping for evolution equations. The new method can be viewed as a continuous reduced SQP method in the sense that it uses a preconditioner derived from that method. The reduced Hessian in the preconditioner is approximated by a pseudo-differential operator, whose symbol can be investigated analytically. We apply our method to a boundary control model problem. The new optimization method needs 3.2-times the overall computational effort of the solution of simulation problem alone.     

Single-server queues with spatially distributed arrivals

Consider a queueing system where customers arrive at a circle according to a homogeneous Poisson process. After choosing their positions on the circle, according to a uniform distribution, they wait for a single server who travels on the circle. The server's movement is modelled by a Brownian motion with drift. Whenever the server encounters a customer, he stops and serves this customer. The service times are independent, but arbitrarily distributed. The model generalizes the continuous cyclic polling system (the diffusion coefficient of the Brownian motion is zero in this case) and can be interpreted as a continuous version of a Markov polling system. Using Tweedie's lemma for positive recurrence of Markov chains with general state space, we show that the system is stable if and only if the traffic intensity is less than one. Moreover, we derive a stochastic decomposition result which leads to equilibrium equations for the stationary configuration of customers on the circle. Steady-state performance characteristics are determined, in particular the expected number of customers in the system as seen by a travelling server and at an arbitrary point in time.     

R.F. (280 MHz) EPR imaging of extended samples: Apparatus and preliminary results

This paper presents the preliminary results obtained using an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance imaging apparatus operating at 280 MHz. The acquisition technique and the procedure used to obtain the spin density spatial localization are presented and specimen images of extended samples are given. The accuracy of the images and the spatial resolution are also discussed.