Project Title:

A Parallel Processor for Simulating Manipulators and Other Mechanical Systems

05.03-1100
A Parallel Processor for Simulating Manipulators and Other Mechanical Systems
Electronic Associates, Inc.
185 Monmouth Parkway
West Long Branch
NJ
07764
George
Hannauer
(201-229-1100)
GSFC

Abstract:

As mechanical systems such as manipulators and actuators become more complex, the
computational burden makes it increasingly difficult to maintain a real-time solution
for simulation in design or real-time control. This project deals with an innovative,
parallel-computer architecture for simulation of mechanical systems that has evolved
from analog rather than von Neumann digital computers. As such, it offers a considerable
improvement in speed; preliminary estimates indicate it is 10 to 100 times faster
than conventional architectures. The design has been validated for a small version
of the architecture consisting of a single module (a small number of tightly-coupled
processors). In Phase I, a version with several modules will be evaluated. Solution
speed would be increased by modifying the scheduling algorithms. The extended architecture
will be investigated by programming several applications to obtain detailed speed
comparisons with conventional architectures. The principal Phase II effort is to
construct a prototype to verify the Phase I timing assumptions.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  A method for rapid, low-cost  simulation of mechanical
systems could have uses for the design of automobiles, aircraft, missiles, power
generators, and many other products.