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This paper presents a parallelised substructure based finite element approach to the solution of fully coupled heat, moisture and deformation problems in partially saturated soil. A numerical model, based on previous work, is developed so that it is capable of solving larger and more complex problems with limited computing resources. The algorithm also offers the advantage of the strategy for further development within the context of parallel computing. A refinement to the standard substructure algorithm has been introduced for the matrix condensing procedure employed at the sub‐structure level, to improve computational efficiency. A numerical simulation is then performed using a parallel computer code for the fully coupled analysis, operating on a MIMD parallel computer (the Paramid). The benefits of the new approach are thus displayed. As a check on the accuracy of the new method, good correlation with other independent solutions are observed. Finally, the computing work performed indicates that the algorithm is yielding encouraging results, providing confidence in the further development of the approach.

This paper presents a multi‐level frontal algorithm and its implementation and applications on parallel computation. A multi‐frontal program is given which may be used for unsymmetric finite element matrix equations. The parallel program is developed on a cluster of workstations. The PVM (parallel virtual machine) system is used to handle communications among networked workstations. The method has advantages such as numbering of the finite element mesh in an arbitrary manner, simple programming organisation, smaller core requirements and computation times. An implementation of this parallel method on workstations is discussed, the speedup and efficiency of this method being demonstrated and compared with general domain decomposition method based on band matrix methods by numerical examples.

After the introduction in October 1970 of the ALS card‐based equipment for recording book circulation, the university, its computing unit and its library underwent various changes which necessitated the implementation in April 1976 of a new circulation system. Describes the planning and design of this new system, its construction and operation, basic functions, and routine and non‐routine output. It is designed to be flexible in accommodating amendments and additions at short notice, and with little or no reprogramming. Details the structure of the system control file, and the other advantages and interesting features deriving from its use. Indicates possible future developments, including the introduction of an on‐line system and isolates 3 defects: insecurity of data; consumption of time and possibility of human error; volume of paper produced. Includes a system flow chart.

This paper is an appraisal of the current word processing scene as it could apply to librarians and information workers. Some of the problems that are arising due to the introduction or proposed introduction of new technology are described and the concept of evolution rather than revolution is strongly proposed. A description of the systems available and the applications which could be of use to the profession are highlighted. The problems of acquiring equipment and, particularly, the choice some people are having to make between word processors and microcomputers is covered in some detail.

Reports that major advances have been achieved on computational simulations of multidimensional fluid flow, heat and mass transfer during the last 20 years. Focuses on the numerical prediction of fluid flow, combustion and gas radiation in a combustion chamber of a typical industrial glass‐melting furnace. Carries out the flow simulation in a three‐dimensional calculation domain by using computer models in conjunction with the standard k ‐ ε turbulence model. Tests the predictions of spectral intensity by solving the equation of radiative transfer. Employs the Goody statistical narrow band model with the Curtis‐Godson approximation to calculate radiative properties for inhomogeneous gas mixtures.

In considering the principles of the design of low‐drag aerofoils, we saw that we should like the velocity outside the boundary layer to rise to a position as far back along the wing as possible, but that we are hindered by the danger of turbulent separation if the rate of velocity decrease at the back of the aerofoil is too great; the danger increases, roughly, when the thickness of the aero‐foil increases and when the position of maximum suction is moved further back. If, however, the whole of the pressure recovery, or velocity decrease, is concentrated over a very narrow interval along the chord, over which the boundary layer, or as much of it as necessary, is sucked away to stop separation, all danger of separation is avoided, and we can have, if we wish, a favourable velocity gradient over the whole of the rest of the chord. More specifically, if the upstream boundary layer, or part of it, is sucked in through a slot, there must be a streamline that divides the air crossing the slot from that entering it, and that streamline must meet the surface at a stagnation point (fig. 10). With the stagnation point behind the slot the flow in the boundary layer along the surface is reversed in direction between the stagnation point and the slot, and all danger of separation is avoided with a well‐designed slot if the design of the aerofoil is such that the pressure recovery takes place wholly between the upstream lip of the slot and the stagnation point. Up to now suction aerofoils have actually been designed with a discontinuous drop in velocity; the velocity rises to a given position on the chord, drops discontinuously, and thereafter rises, stays constant, or at any rate docs not decrease rapidly enough to produce any danger of separation, to the trailing edge; the velocity distribution has this character on both the top and bottom surfaces.

IT was only a very few years ago that computers came into fashion, as it were. Firms, unfortunately denied the benefit of foresight, vied with each other in being the first in their respective fields to own a computer.

How do large well-established firms renew themselves in an increasing turbulent environment? Is there a generic pattern of change or is each change journey rather idiosyncratic? We posed five questions about the nature of renewal patterns. First, how do firms combine external versus internal initiatives in a trajectory of strategic renewal? Second, how does the balance of competence building and competence leveraging evolve in a trajectory of strategic renewal? Third, what are the sequences of action in a strategic renewal process? Fourth, do firms differ regarding speed of their renewal processes? Finally, do different strategic renewal trajectories give rise to different or similar outcomes? Using a simple framework and new metrics we described and analyzed the strategic renewal journeys of the five largest financial service firms in the Netherlands during the period 1990–1997. We found equifinality in viable trajectories of strategic renewal. In four out of five firms, they result in similar outcomes due to mimetic behavior. Nonetheless, one firm showed deviant strategic behavior.

Not to be missed at the 1983 Paris Show was the Shuttle Orbiter ‘Enterprise’ mounted on a modified Boeing 747 carrier aircraft. This combination visited Paris as part of a tour on both sides of the Atlantic which demonstrated to a wide public the only practical way to ferry an orbiter and also showed the method by which approach and landing tests had been conducted at the beginning of the Shuttle programme.

The 3D Systems stereolithography file format is a good workhorse for the rapid prototyping (RP) industry. It is supported by all major computer‐aided design (CAD) and RP manufacturers and there now exists a selection of third‐party software which supports this de facto standard and helps to make it work better. However, input to RP systems is sometimes best suited to the format of sliced contours. These may be produced from a three‐dimensional CAD model or via reverse engineering techniques such as laser scans and co‐ordinate measuring machines. Other sources include computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Takes a brief look at both of the above methods, listing their advantages and disadvantages. Identifies several ways in which sliced data can be used to drive RP processes. Finally, presents in detail a methodology used to develop a direct and adaptive slicer from a commercial CAD system.