An approach for solving competitive location problems with variable demand using multicore systems

A planar competitive location and design problem with variable demand is considered. The assumption that the demand may vary depending on the conditions of the market makes the problem more realistic, but it also increases its complexity, and therefore, the computational effort needed to solve it. In this paper, a modification of a heuristic recently proposed to cope with the problem is presented, which allows, on the one hand, to obtain the same solutions as the original heuristic more quickly and, on the other hand, to handle larger size problems. Furthermore, a parallel version of the algorithm, suitable for being run in most of today’s personal computers, has also been proposed. The parallel algorithm has been implemented using the OpenMP library and the results show an ideal efficiency up to at least eight processors (the largest number of available processing elements). The effectiveness of the parallel algorithm has also been measured. From the computational results, it can be inferred that the proposed parallelization is robust.     

Comparison of film condensation models in presence of non-condensable gases implemented in a CFD Code

Several film condensation models in presence of non-condensable gases are presented. They have been implemented in a CFD code and compared with experimental data. The aim was to improve the code for simulating the gas mixing process in large containment buildings involving steam. The models based on correlation are more robust and simpler, but they work badly out of their experimental conditions. The mechanistic models, based on the diffusion layer theory, work well in numerous conditions but the algorithm are more complicated. Moreover, they run badly when the convective heat transfer is not well predicted by the code.The main material of this paper is part of the PhD Thesis Numerical Models Implemented in a Computational Fluid-dynamics Code for Hydrogen Combustion Risk Assessment within Containments, J.M. Martín-Valdepeñas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 2004.     

Modified fixed point algorithm in fluid–structure interactionAccélération avec des conditions de transpiration d'un algorithme de point fixe en interaction fluide–structure

In this work, we address the numerical solution of some non-linear problems arising in the time discretization of fluid–structure interaction problems with fully implicit schemes. At each time step, we have to solve a highly non-linear coupled system, since the fluid domain depends on the unknown displacement of the structure. We propose a modified fixed-point algorithm which combines the Block-Gauss–Seidel iterations with a transpiration formulation. Numerical experiments show the great improvement in computing time with respect to the standard method. To cite this article: S. Deparis et al., C. R. Mecanique 331 (2003).     

Determination of dynamic fracture-initiation toughness using three-point bending tests in a modified Hopkinson pressure bar

We present a procedure for measuring the dynamic fracture-initiation toughness of materials. The method is based on three-point bending tests at high loading rates, performed in an experimental device which is a modification of the classical split Hopkinson pressure bar. Coupled with the loading device, a high-speed photography system was used to measure the crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) directly on the specimen. The stress intensity factor was calculated by three different simplified methods and the time to fracture was obtained from an appropriate specimen instrumentation. To evaluate the results derived from the simplified methods, a two-dimensional full-numerical analysis of the dynamic bending fracture test was made. The model includes the specimen, the input bar, the impacting projectile and the supporting device and takes into account the possible loss of contact during the experiment between the input bar and the specimen and between the specimen and its supports. From the tests and numerical results, it can be concluded that the CMOD procedure, together with the knowledge of the time to fracture determined using crack gages, seems to be the best method for measuring dynamic fracture-initiation toughness.     

Present and future applications of magnetic nanostructures grown by FEBID

Currently, magnetic nanostructures are routinely grown by focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID). In the present article, we review the milestones produced in the topic in the past as well as the future applications of this technology. Regarding past milestones, we highlight the achievement of high-purity cobalt and iron deposits, the high lateral resolution obtained, the growth of 3D magnetic deposits, the exploration of magnetic alloys and the application of magnetic deposits for Hall sensing and in domain-wall conduit and magnetologic devices. With respect to future perspectives of the topic, we emphasize the potential role of magnetic nanostructures grown by FEBID for applications related to highly integrated 2D arrays, 3D nanowires devices, fabrication of advanced scanning-probe systems, basic studies of magnetic structures and their dynamics, small sensors (including biosensors) and new applications brought by magnetic alloys and even exchange biased systems.     

Copulae,Self-Affine Functions,and Fractal Dimensions

We use the fact that the functions defined on the unit interval whose graphs support a copula are those that are Lebesgue-measure-preserving in order to characterize self-affine functions whose graphs are the support of a copula. This result allows computation of the Hausdorff, packing, and box-counting dimensions. The discussion is applied to classic examples such as the Peano and Hilbert curves, and the results are extended to discontinuous self-affine functions.     

Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the anharmonic oscillator V(x,y) = x 2 y 2

We obtain sufficiently accurate eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for the anharmonic oscillator with potential V(x, y) = x ² y ² by means of three different methods. Our results strongly suggest that the spectrum of this oscillator is discrete in agreement with early rigorous mathematical proofs and against a recent statement that cast doubts about it