Research Reports for 2000

CSR 1-2000
The Algebraic Structure of Interface Definition Languages and Architectures
D.Ll.L. Rees, K. Stephenson and J.V. Tucker
abstract   
CSR 2-2000
Coordinate Free Programming of Computational Fluid Dynamics Problems
P.W. Grant, M. Haveraaen and M.F. Webster
abstract    PDF
CSR 3-2000
Correctness and Verification of Hardware Systems Using Maude
N.A. Harman
abstract    PDF
CSR 4-2000
Verifying a Simple Pipelined Microprocessor Using Maude
N.A. Harman
abstract    PDF
CSR 5-2000
JACIE - an Authoring Language for Rapid Prototyping Net-centric, Multimedia and Collaborative Applications
Abdul S. Haji-Ismail, Min Chen, Phil W. Grant and Mark Kiddell
abstract    PDF
CSR 6-2000
Embedded Recovery Methods for Viscoelastic Flow Past a Sphere in a Cylindrical Tube
H. Matallah, P. Townsend and M.F. Webster
abstract    PDF
CSR 7-2000
Embedded Recovery Methods for Viscoelastic Flow
H. Matallah, P. Townsend and M.F. Webster
abstract    PDF
CSR 8-2000
Domain representations of partial functions, with applications to spatial objects and constructive volume geometry
J. Blanck, V. Stoltenberg-Hansen and J. V. Tucker
abstract    PDF
CSR 9-2000
Streams, stream transformers and domain representations
J. Blanck, V. Stoltenberg-Hansen and J. V. Tucker
abstract    PDF
CSR 10-2000
Two and Three Dimensional Distributed Computations for Viscoelastic Cavity Flows
A. Baloch, P.W. Grant and M.F. Webster
abstract    PDF
CSR 11-2000
Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Dough Kneading
D.Ding and M.F. Webster
abstract    PDF
CSR 12-2000
On Consistency of Cell-Vertex Finite-Volume Formulations for Viscoelastic Flow
M.S. Chandio and M.F. Webster
abstract    PDF
CSR 13-2000
Viscoelastic Computations of Polymeric Wire-coating Flows
H. Matallah, P. Townsend and M.F. Webster
abstract    PDF
CSR 14-2000
The Algebraic Structure of Interface Definition Languages and Architectures (Revised Version)
D.Ll.L. Rees, K. Stephenson and J.V. Tucker
abstract    PDF
CSR 15-2000
On the accuracy and stability properties of an hybrid finite volume/element method for viscoelastic flows
M. Aboubacar and M.F. Webster
abstract    PDF
CSR 16-2000
Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Distributed Cluster Processing for Two and Three-Dimensional Viscoelastic Flows
A. Baloch, P.W. Grant and M.F. Webster
abstract    PDF
CSR 17-2000
Highly elastic solutions of Oldroyd-B and Phan-Thien Tanner fluids with a hybrid finite volume/element method: planar contraction flows
M. Aboubacar, H. Matallah and M.F. Webster
abstract    PDF

CSR 1-2000 The Algebraic Structure of Interface Definition Languages and Architectures

D.Ll.L. Rees, K. Stephenson and J.V. Tucker

In this paper we examine formally a notion of architecture for the design of systems. The basic idea is that:

System Architecture = Structured set of (sub)-system interfaces.

Thus, the architecture of a system is modelled by the structure of its interface expressed in terms of the interfaces for its components. We make an algebraic model of interface definition languages (IDLs) based on this idea. We model:
Interface = Name + Imports + Body
A set of interfaces is a repository, and so an architecture is a repository with some primary interfaces and dependencies defining its import structure. The algebraic model is a framework for defining IDLs, and allows transformations to be defined by structural induction. Next we use the general model to derive a simple IDL suitable for the design phase of object-oriented software development. This requires us to specify a form of Body that treats both data types and state, and in Body we explicitly distinguish between methods with and without side- effects, by commands and queries. We also consider other proposals for Body that yield new IDLs and types of architectures, including other object-oriented design languages and data type specification languages. The general algebraic model helps us make an algebraic specification of an IDL in a modular way.
Report Titles


CSR 2-2000 Coordinate Free Programming of Computational Fluid Dynamics Problems

P.W. Grant, M. Haveraaen and M.F. Webster

It has long been acknowledged that the development of scientific applications is in need of better software engineering practices. Here we contrast the difference between conventional software development of CFD codes with a method based on coordinate free mathematics.

The former approach leads to programs where different aspects, such as the discretisation technique and the coordinate systems, can get entangled with the solver algorithm. The latter approach yields programs that segregate these concerns into fully independent software modules. Such considerations are important for the construction of numerical codes for practical problems. The two approaches are illustrated on the coating problem: the simulation of coating a wire with a polymer.
Report Titles


CSR 3-2000 Correctness and Verification of Hardware Systems Using Maude

N.A. Harman

We consider models of hardware systems, within a well-developed set of mathematical tools based on an equational, algebraic model. We implement these tools using Maude, an equational, algebraic language with strong meta-language tools and an efficient term rewriting implementation. Maude has the same mathematical basis as the existing formal tools and it is fast. We consider the process of verification, and apply it to a simple illustrative pipeline.

Microprocessors, and related systems, are modelled as iterated maps. Initialisation functions act as an invariant when applying one-step theorems to reduce formal verification to state exploration.
Report Titles


CSR 4-2000 Verifying a Simple Pipelined Microprocessor Using Maude

N.A.Harman

We consider the verification of a simple pipelined microprocessor in Maude, by implementing an equational theoretical model of systems. Maude is an equationally-based language, with an efficient term rewriting implementation, and effective meta-level tools. Microprocessors and other systems are modelled as iterated maps operating in time over some state-set, and are related by means of data and abstraction maps, and correctness is reduced to state exploration by the choice of an appropriate initialisation function, ensuring/enforcing consistency of the initial state.
Report Titles


CSR 5-2000 JACIE - an Authoring Language for Rapid Prototyping Net-centric, Multimedia and Collaborative Applications

Abdul S. Haji-Ismail, Min Chen, Phil W. Grant and Mark Kiddell

With continuous acceptance of World Wide Web (WWW) as a de facto standard for human-computer interaction and human-human communication, it is desirable to develop net-centric, multimedia and collaborative applications. In this paper, we present a new scripting language called JACIE, which is designed to support rapid prototyping and implementation of such applications. In particular, we highlight the necessity to support the management of multimedia interaction and communication in collaborative applications, and describe how JACIE facilitates such support through the concepts of channels and a collection of built-in interaction protocols. JACIE also features a template-based programming style, a single program for both client and server, and platform-independence by using Java as the target language. All these features characterise a desirable multimedia software engineering tool.
Report Titles


CSR 6-2000 Embedded Recovery Methods for Viscoelastic Flow Past a Sphere in a Cylindrical Tube

H. Matallah, P. Townsend and M.F. Webster

The motivation for this study is to capture the superior accuracy properties of recovery methods and their application to the numerical solution of nonlinear viscoelastic flows. For velocity gradient recovery, local direct methods are compared to Galerkin least squares methods. Superconvergence properties are intrinsic. We compare and contrast averaging and patch recovery approaches. We investigate the properties of such schemes and their influence upon stability by focusing on flow past a sphere in a cylindrical tube.
Report Titles


CSR 7-2000 Embedded Recovery Methods for Viscoelastic Flow

H. Matallah, P. Townsend and M.F. Webster

We analyse different types of embedded recovery techniques for primary and secondary finite element field variables in applications involving viscoelastic flows. For the primary stress variables of an Oldroyd-B model, a direct/local averaging method and a patch recovery technique are compared. For velocity gradient recovery, local direct methods are compared to Galerkin least squares methods. Superconvergence properties are intrinsic to the methodology. Flow problems addressed include a sink flow, a start-up channel flow and a flow past a sphere. Such benchmark flows are employed effectively to identify the properties of these various recovery techniques. We examine their comparative influence upon accuracy and stability of a semi-implicit Taylor-Galerkin/pressure correction scheme.
Report Titles


Domain representations of partial functions, with applications to spatial objects and constructive volume geometry

J. Blanck, V. Stoltenberg-Hansen and J. V. Tucker

A partial spatial object is a partial map from space to data. Data types of partial spatial objects are modelled by topological algebras of partial maps and are the foundation for a high level approach to volume graphics called constructive volume geometry (CVG), where space and data are subspaces of n-dimensional Euclidean space. We investigate the computability of partial spatial object data types, in general and in volume graphics, using the theory of effective domain representations for topological algebras. The basic mathematical problem considered is to classify which partial functions between topological spaces can be represented by total continuous functions between given domain representations of the spaces. We prove theorems about partial functions on regular Hausdorff spaces and their domain representations, and apply the results to partial spatial objects and CVG algebras.
Report Titles


Streams, stream transformers and domain representations

J. Blanck, V. Stoltenberg-Hansen and J. V. Tucker

We present a general theory for the computation of stream transformers of the form F: (R -> B) -> (T -> A) , where time T and R , and data A and B , are discrete or continuous. We show how methods for representing topological algebras by algebraic domains can be applied to transformations of continuous streams. A stream transformer is continuous in the compact-open topology on continuous streams if, and only if, it has a continuous lifting to a standard algebraic domain representation of such streams. We also examine the important problem of representing discontinuous streams, such as signals T -> A , where time T is continuous and data A is discrete.
Report Titles


Two and Three Dimensional Distributed Computations for Viscoelastic Cavity Flows

A. Baloch, P.W. Grant and M.F. Webster

A finite element study of incompressible viscoelastic ows in a planar lid-driven cavity is presented. The hardware platform is a network combination of both homogeneous and heterogeneous clusters of workstations. A semi-implicit time-stepping Taylor-Galerkin scheme is employed with Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM) message passing libraries as the message passing protocol. Both DEC-alpha and Intel Solaris clusters are utilised. Parallel results are compared against single processor (sequentially) solutions, using the parallelism paradigm of domain decomposition. Linear speed-up with the number of processors is realised.
Report Titles


Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Dough Kneading

D.Ding and M.F. Webster

In this article we report on work concerned with the three-dimensional numerical simulation of dough mixing that arises in the food processing industry. Two dough mixers at various rotation speeds are studied, one with one stirrer and the other with two stirrers. Various types of fluid models are incorporated in this work. Numerical simulations are based on three dimensions in the cylindrical coordinates system. The results reflect excellent agreements against the equivalent experimental results. The motivation for this work is to develop and advance technology to model the mixing of dough. The ultimate target is to predict and adjust the design of dough mixers,so that optimal dough processing may be achieved notably with reference to work input on the dough.
Report Titles


On Consistency of Cell-Vertex Finite-Volume Formulations for Viscoelastic Flow

M.S. Chandio and M.F. Webster

The accuracy, stability and consistency of a new cell-vertex hybrid finite element/volume scheme is investigated in the numerical solution of a model viscoelastic sink flow. Here, the interest is to explore the consequences of utilising conventional cell-vertex methodology for an Oldroyd-B model and to demonstrate resulting drawbacks in the presence of complex source terms. Alternative strategies worthy of consideration are presented. It is demonstrated how high order accuracy may beachieved in the steady-state by respecting consistency in the formulation.
Report Titles


Viscoelastic Computations of Polymeric Wire-coating Flows

H. Matallah, P. Townsend and M.F. Webster

This study considers both a single and multi-mode viscoelastic analysis for wire- coating flows. The numerical simulations utilise a finite element time-stepping technique, a Taylor-Petrov-Galerkin/pressure-correction scheme employing both coupled and decoupled procedures between stress and kinematic fields. An exponential Phan-Thien/Tanner model is used to predict pressure-drop and residual stress for this process. Rheometrical data fitting is performed for steady shear and pure extensional flows, considering both high and low density polyethylene melts. Simulations are conducted to match experimental pressure-drop/ flowrate data for a contraction flow. Then, for a complex industrial wire-coating flow, stress and pressure drop are predicted numerically and quantified. The benefits are extolled of the use of a multi-mode model that can incorporate a wide-range discrete relaxation spectrum to represent flow response in complex settings. Contrast is made between LDPE and HDPE polymers, and dependency on individual relaxation modes is identified in its contribution to overall flow behaviour.
Report Titles


CSR 14-2000 The Algebraic Structure of Interface Definition Languages and Architectures (Revised Version)

D.Ll.L. Rees, K. Stephenson and J.V. Tucker In this paper (a revision of CSR1-2000) we examine formally a notion of architecture for the design of systems, based on the idea that the architecture of a system can be modelled by the structure of its interface expressed in terms of the interfaces for its components. Thus,

System Architecture = Structured set of (sub)-system interfaces.

We specify a general model for interface definition languages (IDLs) based on this idea and the idea that an:

Interface = Name + Imports + Body.

A set of interfaces is a repository. An interface architecture is a repository with some primary interfaces identified; the import dependencies between the interfaces of a repository are used to determine its structure.

The general model is made using algebraic specifications to define the abstract syntax of a general IDL. The model provides a framework for making an algebraic specification of a specific IDL in a modular way and allows interface transformations to be defined by structural induction.

We use the general model to derive a simple IDL suitable for the design phase of object-oriented software development. This requires us to specify a form of Body that treats both data types and state, and in Body we explicitly distinguish between methods with and without side-effects, by commands and queries, respectively. We also consider other proposals for Body that yield new IDLs, including other object-oriented design languages and data type specification languages.

Report Titles


On the accuracy and stability properties of an hybrid finite volume/element method for viscoelastic flows

M. Aboubacar and M.F. Webster

A cell-vertex hybrid finite volume/element method is investigated that is implemented on triangles and applied to the numerical solution of Oldroyd model fluids in contraction flows. Particular attention is paid to establishing high-order accuracy, while retaining favourable stability properties in reaching high levels of elasticity. The main impact of this study reveals that switching from quadratic to linear finite volume stress representation with discontinuous stress gradients, and incorporating a local reduced integration at the re-entrant corner, provide enhance stability properties. Solution smoothness is achieved by adopting the non-conservative flux form with area integration, by appealing to quadratic recovered velocity gradients, and through consistency considerations in the treatment of the time term in the constitutive equa- tion. In this manner, high-order accuracy is maintained, stability is ensured, and the finer features of the flow are confirmed via mesh refinement. Lip vortices are observed for We>1, and a trailing-edge vortex is also apparent. Entry pressure drop, loss of evolution, and solution asymptotic behaviour towards the re-entrant corner are also discussed.
Report Titles


Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Distributed Cluster Processing for Two and Three-Dimensional Viscoelastic Flows

A. Baloch, P.W. Grant and M.F. Webster

A finite element study of two and three-dimensional incompressible viscoelastic flows in a planar lid-driven cavity and concentric rotating cylinders is presented. The hardware platforms consist of both homogeneous and heterogeneous clusters of workstations. A semi-implicit time-stepping Taylor-Galerkin scheme is employed using the message passing mechanism provided by the Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM) libraries. DEC-alpha, Intel Solaris and AMD-K7(Athlon) Linux clusters are utilised. Parallel results are compared against single processor (sequentially) solutions, using the parallelism paradigm of domain decomposition. Communication is effectively masked and practically ideal, linear speed-up with the number of processors is realised.
Report Titles


Highly elastic solutions of Oldroyd-B and Phan-Thien Tanner fluids with a hybrid finite volume/element method: planar contraction flows

M. Aboubacar, H. Matallah and M.F. Webster

Finite element and finite volume methods are analysed through the computation of inertialess flows of viscoelastic fluids in plane 4:1 sharp and rounded corner contraction geometries. Simulations are presented for three models: a constant viscosity Oldroyd- B fluid, and PTT shear thinning fluids of exponential and linear approximation. A Taylor-Galerkin/Pressure-correction scheme is implemented as the base time-stepping framework. The momentum equations are solved by a finite element method, whilst the constitutive equations are solved by a finite volume approach and compared to a finite element scheme. Mesh convergence is analysed via three different meshes, refined around the re-entrant corner to capture the boundary layer structure. Specialist techniques are implemented for the finite volume scheme and the sharp corner problem, lowering the order of approximation of the solution in the neighbourhood of the singularity. For the Oldroyd-B model, higher values of Weissenberg numbers are reached with these finite volume schemes compared to their finite element counterparts.
Report Titles