The simulation of decentralized control: a hostless resource allocation model

Article Abstract:

In this article, an alternative approach to control for computing systems, with possible distributed, parallel, or multiprocess application, is proposed and evaluated through simulation. Functions normally handled by centralized controllers, schedulers, arbiters and priority schemes are accomplished through a decentralized model of control. Resource allocation, one important control function, is resolved within a Challenge Ring (CR) in which individual computing tasks independently (or without a host, hence their interaction is called hostless) exercise algorithms to gain access to computing resources. Simulated system performance is monitored by analyzing individual task processing times, total system times, resource availability, resource utilization, and system efficiency. Our preliminary experimental results indicate that such decentralized (or hostless) models can be superior to some standard centralized (or hosted) versions. Moreover, tasks in CR networks that interact through cooperative strategies in some cases exhibit better performance. Our overall results encourage the further exploration of decentralized control models which could be useful in the continuing pursuit of alternative machine constructs (e.g. non-von Neumann architectures) and new distributed operational schemes (e.g. hostless network operating systems). (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Systems analysis, Industrial research, Technical, Resource allocation, Control systems, Token ring networks, Research and Development, System Design, Distributed Processing, Scientific Research, Ring Networks, Decentralization, Models of Computation, Simulation of Computer Systems

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An Example of Error Analysis in Dynamic Model Validation

Article Abstract:

Determining the quality of a model is always troublesome for the model builder and-or user. Error analysis is a useful approach when modeling dynamic systems and when measurements or nominal trajectories are available from the physical system. Techniques of error analysis based upon measures of the error in both the time and frequency domains are discussed. Further, an approach to analyzing the propagation of errors based upon dynamic models of the error is presented. Time domain measures and error propagation analysis are demonstrated on a sixth-order river basin econometric model. (Reprinted by Permission of Publisher).

Error analysis (Mathematics), Systems development, System Development, Models, Dynamic Systems, Error Analysis, Validation, Methods, Error Propagation

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Simulation Example in Water Resource Management

Article Abstract:

Water resource management in Wyoming's Powder River Basin was the subject of a simulation study. Specifically, the study investigated the availability of ground water vis-a-vis the projected water needs of a synthetic fuels plant. The study demonstrated that the water would not be significantly depleted; however, due to economic problems the plans to build the plant have been withdrawn.

Petroleum industry, Natural resources, Environmental protection, Water quality, Geology, Simulation, Resource Management, Water Supply, Wyoming

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