Parallel processing on the simulation of flexible structures

The problem of controlling flexible structures is important but challenging due to the infinite number of modes present. For example to suppress vibrations of aircraft fuselage and wings real time processing power beyond sequential computers is required. Data needs to be measured, processed and corrective control action determined based on some mathematical model. This must be repeated at a suitable sample rate. To complicate matters further, the models relied upon can be in error due to parameter variation, modelling errors, etc. It is hence usually necessary to model the structure on-line and perform detailed simulations before control can be attempted. It therefore seems that classical computing techniques are inappropriate for dealing with control problems of this magnitude. In the paper the authors propose an alternative strategy whereby the potential of parallel processing networks is exploited. The authors concentrate on the simulation side of the problem and for convenience restrict attention to a cantilever systems since this covers several control applications. Such structures are governed by fourth order PDEs that need to be numerically solved for control purposes. The authors present a new parallel processing technique for solving such PDEs on transputer networks