Distributed Simulation Using a Real-Time Shared Memory Network

• Main Authors: Simon, Donald L, Mattern, Duane L, Wong, Edmond, Musgrave, Jeffrey L
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: ACCURACY; AERONAUTICS; COMPUTER NETWORKS; Computer Programming and Software; COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION; COMPUTERS; CONTROL; DISTRIBUTED DATA PROCESSING; ENGINES; ENVIRONMENTS; OPERATION; PE61102A; PROCESSING; PROPULSION SYSTEMS; RAMJET ENGINES; REAL TIME; SIMULATION; SPACE PROPULSION; TIME; VENDORS; WU50526250

The Advanced Control Technology Branch of the NASA Lewis Research Center performs research in the area of advanced digital controls for aeronautic and space propulsion systems. This work requires the real-time implementation of both control software and complex dynamical models of the propulsion systems. We are implementing these systems in a distributed, multi-vendor computer environment. Therefore, a need exists for real-time communication and synchronization between the distributed multi-vendor computers. A shared memory network is a potential solution which offers several advantages over other real- time communication approaches. In this effort, a candidate shared memory network was tested for basic performance. The shared memory network was then used to implement a distributed simulation of a ramjet engine. The accuracy and execution time of the distributed simulation was measured and compared to the performance of the non-partitioned simulation. The ease of partitioning the simulation, the minimal time required to develop software for communication between the processors and the resulting execution time all indicate that the shared memory network is a real-time communication technique worthy of serious consideration. Prepared in Cooperation with Sverdrup Technology Inc. Brook Park, OH.