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UK, making the second product in twelve months to come out of GA Ltd. The first was the BOSS range of computers which we announced last September and which are selling extremely well. I am sure CREOL will in the same way realise its full potential both at home and abroad." Further information from: Bill Rice, General Automation Limited, Sterling House, 20 Station Road, Gerrards Cross, Bucks. Tel: Gerrards Cross (02813) 89112, or: Bill Moores, Communidata Ltd. Tel: Ascot (0990) 20313.
HARDWARE NEWS Control Data Limited, 179/199 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2 15th September 1981 Control Data Ltd. Announces New System for use in Business and Education Control Data Corporation has introduced the Control Data I10 Microcomputer and the first packages in a new series of small business, education and training applications. The Control Dada I10 is able to function as a business or education microcomputer or as an on-line work station to access Control Data's time sharing services or the PLATO computer based education system. The basic Control Data I10 without applications is composed of a CPU with 64K of memory an 8 inch disk sub-system, which contains i.* million bytes of random access memory and an operating system. This hardware and software package is the basic building block upon which all configurations of the Control Data I10 are based. The business and education applications can be purchased separately. Both BASIC and PASCAL programming languages are also available for the Control Data I10. For further information please contact Bill Nichols or Mike Cane on 01-723 3444. A.S.R. Servotron Group. Very High Speed Colour Graphics Processor Card for DEC LSI 11 Bus ASR Servotron Computer Division is offering this single DUAL format card which allows an image of 512 x 256 pixels to be displayed in eight colours at speeds of up to 1,400,000 pixels/second. An onboard graphics processor accepts numerous high-level commands to display both vectors and alphanumeric data (mixed modes), separate scale control of x, y axes, four distinct line types, vertical, horizontal and oblique character orientation and other features. Zooming and relocatable viewing windows are easily implemented due to the high writing speed. The card provides four separate 75 ohm/TTL outputs (RGB + synch) for direct connection to a 625 line 50 Hz monitor and an input connector for a light pen. A 60 Hz version is available and an NTSCC 525 line card is under development. A software interface package is available on an R T l l diskette and a black/white version is also available. United Kingdom, A.S.R. Servotron, Druceglen Ltd., 47 Gatwick Road, Crawley, Sussex, England RH10 1RF. Tel: (0293) 541555. Telex: 877915 asr uk g.
Whessoe Technical & Computing Systems Ltd. of Darlington (Whesso Group) have now added more facilities to their vessel design program PVE5 Pressure Vessel Design to BS55000:. 1976 The full range of design facilities now available encompass: Horizontal & Vertical Vessels Internal & External Pressure Stiffening Rings Saddles & Ring Supports Local Loads Nozzles - Single & Multiple Flanges Stress Relief & X-Ray Extended BS Material Selection Specification Sheet PVE5 is a fully interactive design program and can be used on WTCS own computing network via a computer terminal to provide a vessel designer with all design results including intermediqte calculations if required. In this way accurate optimum design can be achieved quickly while avoiding lengthy tedious calculations - - a l l at reasonable cost levels. PVE5 is also available to be licenced by a company wishing to operate the program on an in-house computer. Future development will extend the BS5500 facilities and a major addition to cater for ASME VIII will be available at the beginning of 1982. New European Space Agency Online Order Service speeds delivery of US Government Documents The INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SERVICE (IRS) of the EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY based at Frascatti near Rome, has announced the development of new software enabling users to order copies of documents retrieved during online searches, direct from their inhouse terminals. The new system named PRIMORDIAL, has been introduced following earlier limited trials where although customers could place doucment orders via their terminals, document suppliers could not retrieve the instructions direct. Orders had to be dumped at the IRS Centre in Paris for mailing to the document suppliers. Now the suppliers can retrieve the orders from their own terminals daily or even more frequently if required. IRS offers its many users throughout Europe online access to the US Government Scientific and Technical Database produced by the NATIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICE (NTIS) of the -US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. This contains references to many hundreds of thousands of reports and other materials from authoritative US Government and important foreignsources; some 6,000 additional titles are added each month. Paper and microfiche copies of most items listed on the database can be ordered online. The UNITED KINGDOM SERVICE CENTRE operated by MICROINFO LTD, UK Managing Dealer for NTIS, Washington, DC, is resionsible for servicing online orders placed by IRS users in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Holland, West Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. There are no extra charges involved and users are guaranteed accurate transfer of key information direct from the database so avoiding transcription errors commonly encountered with manual ordering procedures.
Adv. Eng. Software, 1982, Vol. 4, No. 1 35
Full details of the PRIMORDIAL ordering system are contained in a special User Manual available direct from IRS, from local IRS offices and in the UK, from Mr Brian Kingsmill, Department of Industry, Technology Reports Centre, Orpington, Kent, BR5 3RF.
BOOK REVIEW COMPUTATIONAL METHODS IN NONLINEAR STRUCTURAL AND SOLID MECHANICS Editors: A. K. Noor and H. G. McComb, Jr. Pergamon Press Ltd., 1981. Pages vi-478. Price: $70.00, £30.00 This volume contains the proceedings of a symposium which took place in Washington DC on 6-8 October 1980. As prefaced, editors intend to document recent developments in efficient discretization approaches, advanced numerical methods, improved programming techniques, and applications of these developments to non-linear analysis of structures and solids. The papers cover the following ten topics: (1) Nonlinear Mathematical Theories and Formulation Aspects, (2) Computational Strategies for Nonlinear Problems, (3) Time Integration Techniques and Numerical Solution of Nonlinear Algebraic Equations, (4) Material Characterization and Nonlinear Fracture Mechanics, (5) Nonlinear Interaction Problems, (6) Seismic Response and Nonlinear Analysis of Concrete Structures, (7) Nonlinear Problems for Nuclear Reactors, (8) Cracy Dynamics and Impact Problems, (9) Nonlinear Problems for Fibrous Composites and Advanced Nonlinear Applications, (10) Computerized Symbolic Manipulation and Nonlinear Analysis Software Systems. Some of the papers present some really new material while some others are just extensions of the individual authors' previously well-documented works. In reviewer's opinion the most interesting papers included in this book are: a paper by M.urakawa et al on the structural stability analysis using a new complementary energy method; a paper by Kanok-Nukulchai et al on a new shell element for large deflection dynamic analysis; two papers by Geradin et al and Siu et al on optimal load discretization techniques for incremental/iterative nonlinear finite element analyses; a paper by Pifko et al devoted to the theory and application of finite element analysis to structural crash simulation; two papers by Chang et al and Reddy et al on nonlinear analyses of laminated plates and shells; finally, a paper by Noor giving an excellent survey of computer programs available for solution of nonlinear structm'al analysis. The book should attract scientists doing research in different fields of nonlinear finite element methods. Unfortunately the book's type-set quality is somehow disastrous. Some of the figures are quite unreadable (because of bad printing) as well as numerous formulas (a lot of brackets etc. are missing!). D. Karamanlidis Georgia Institute of Technology
36
Adv. Eng. Software, 1982, Vol. 4, No. 1
RELIABILITY ENGINEERING ASSESSMENT E. J. Henley and H. Kamamoto Prentice-Hall Inc. 1981, 568 pages.
AND
RISK
This introductory text grew out from numerous short courses given by the authors since 1975 for chemical engineers. It was intended to be used by practicing engineers and advanced undergraduate or graduate students. The desired goal of the authors was to give a comprehensive and easy to understand text such that an engineer can apply to his practical needs. Theoretical explanations and developments were kept deliberately to a minimum but attentions were drawn to wider aspects of the subject such as social, psychological and political implications. As such the authors had set themselves a difficult task whereby sample examples have to be painstakingly constructed to guide the readers throughout. Some of the more advanced theorems were only stated without proper explanation or proof. For example, the upper and lower bounds using the inclusionexclusion principle should have been derived. The first four chapters provide basic concepts such as preliminary hazards analysis, failure modes and effects analysis, event trees, fault trees, decision tables and probabilistic parameters from failure data. Error bounds and confidence limits for failure data was introduced in chapter 5. Survey of failure data and data bank sources were given in chapter 6, which should be very useful for reference purposes. More advanced concepts of system analysis were given in the later chapters, with kinetic tree theory for calculation of expected number of failures and Markov method for obtaining system reliability. Topics such as importance indices and special techniques for processing plants (storage tanks, protective systems, cold stanby etc) were mentioned. Monte Carlo methods of system simulations were discussed in chapter 12 and their importance stressed. The final chapter gave eight case studies. References were generously given throughout the text. Of special interest to readers of the present journal could be the information concerning eleven programs written by the authors which covered most of the topics in the text. They were written in Fortran language and can be obtained from either of the authors. Other Fortran subroutines given in the text were used for random function generation and simulations by Monte Carlo techniques. H. S. Y. Chan NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES B. T. Browne and J. J. H. Miller (eds.) Boole Press, Dublin, Ireland, 1979. 303 pp. Price: $42. On June 27 to 29, 1979, the first conference on the Numerical Analysis of Semiconductor Devices (NASCODE I) was held in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Both numerical analysts and electronic engineers, including many from the industrial sector, contributed toward this comprehensive collection of articles in the rapidly expanding field of semiconduvtor device physics. The book presents the conference proceedings in two parts: nine invited lectures and twenty-six reports by other
HARDWARE NEWS Control Data Limited, 179/199 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2 15th September 1981 Control Data Ltd. Announces New System for use in Business and Education Control Data Corporation has introduced the Control Data I10 Microcomputer and the first packages in a new series of small business, education and training applications. The Control Dada I10 is able to function as a business or education microcomputer or as an on-line work station to access Control Data's time sharing services or the PLATO computer based education system. The basic Control Data I10 without applications is composed of a CPU with 64K of memory an 8 inch disk sub-system, which contains i.* million bytes of random access memory and an operating system. This hardware and software package is the basic building block upon which all configurations of the Control Data I10 are based. The business and education applications can be purchased separately. Both BASIC and PASCAL programming languages are also available for the Control Data I10. For further information please contact Bill Nichols or Mike Cane on 01-723 3444. A.S.R. Servotron Group. Very High Speed Colour Graphics Processor Card for DEC LSI 11 Bus ASR Servotron Computer Division is offering this single DUAL format card which allows an image of 512 x 256 pixels to be displayed in eight colours at speeds of up to 1,400,000 pixels/second. An onboard graphics processor accepts numerous high-level commands to display both vectors and alphanumeric data (mixed modes), separate scale control of x, y axes, four distinct line types, vertical, horizontal and oblique character orientation and other features. Zooming and relocatable viewing windows are easily implemented due to the high writing speed. The card provides four separate 75 ohm/TTL outputs (RGB + synch) for direct connection to a 625 line 50 Hz monitor and an input connector for a light pen. A 60 Hz version is available and an NTSCC 525 line card is under development. A software interface package is available on an R T l l diskette and a black/white version is also available. United Kingdom, A.S.R. Servotron, Druceglen Ltd., 47 Gatwick Road, Crawley, Sussex, England RH10 1RF. Tel: (0293) 541555. Telex: 877915 asr uk g.
Whessoe Technical & Computing Systems Ltd. of Darlington (Whesso Group) have now added more facilities to their vessel design program PVE5 Pressure Vessel Design to BS55000:. 1976 The full range of design facilities now available encompass: Horizontal & Vertical Vessels Internal & External Pressure Stiffening Rings Saddles & Ring Supports Local Loads Nozzles - Single & Multiple Flanges Stress Relief & X-Ray Extended BS Material Selection Specification Sheet PVE5 is a fully interactive design program and can be used on WTCS own computing network via a computer terminal to provide a vessel designer with all design results including intermediqte calculations if required. In this way accurate optimum design can be achieved quickly while avoiding lengthy tedious calculations - - a l l at reasonable cost levels. PVE5 is also available to be licenced by a company wishing to operate the program on an in-house computer. Future development will extend the BS5500 facilities and a major addition to cater for ASME VIII will be available at the beginning of 1982. New European Space Agency Online Order Service speeds delivery of US Government Documents The INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SERVICE (IRS) of the EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY based at Frascatti near Rome, has announced the development of new software enabling users to order copies of documents retrieved during online searches, direct from their inhouse terminals. The new system named PRIMORDIAL, has been introduced following earlier limited trials where although customers could place doucment orders via their terminals, document suppliers could not retrieve the instructions direct. Orders had to be dumped at the IRS Centre in Paris for mailing to the document suppliers. Now the suppliers can retrieve the orders from their own terminals daily or even more frequently if required. IRS offers its many users throughout Europe online access to the US Government Scientific and Technical Database produced by the NATIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICE (NTIS) of the -US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. This contains references to many hundreds of thousands of reports and other materials from authoritative US Government and important foreignsources; some 6,000 additional titles are added each month. Paper and microfiche copies of most items listed on the database can be ordered online. The UNITED KINGDOM SERVICE CENTRE operated by MICROINFO LTD, UK Managing Dealer for NTIS, Washington, DC, is resionsible for servicing online orders placed by IRS users in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Holland, West Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. There are no extra charges involved and users are guaranteed accurate transfer of key information direct from the database so avoiding transcription errors commonly encountered with manual ordering procedures.
Adv. Eng. Software, 1982, Vol. 4, No. 1 35
Full details of the PRIMORDIAL ordering system are contained in a special User Manual available direct from IRS, from local IRS offices and in the UK, from Mr Brian Kingsmill, Department of Industry, Technology Reports Centre, Orpington, Kent, BR5 3RF.
BOOK REVIEW COMPUTATIONAL METHODS IN NONLINEAR STRUCTURAL AND SOLID MECHANICS Editors: A. K. Noor and H. G. McComb, Jr. Pergamon Press Ltd., 1981. Pages vi-478. Price: $70.00, £30.00 This volume contains the proceedings of a symposium which took place in Washington DC on 6-8 October 1980. As prefaced, editors intend to document recent developments in efficient discretization approaches, advanced numerical methods, improved programming techniques, and applications of these developments to non-linear analysis of structures and solids. The papers cover the following ten topics: (1) Nonlinear Mathematical Theories and Formulation Aspects, (2) Computational Strategies for Nonlinear Problems, (3) Time Integration Techniques and Numerical Solution of Nonlinear Algebraic Equations, (4) Material Characterization and Nonlinear Fracture Mechanics, (5) Nonlinear Interaction Problems, (6) Seismic Response and Nonlinear Analysis of Concrete Structures, (7) Nonlinear Problems for Nuclear Reactors, (8) Cracy Dynamics and Impact Problems, (9) Nonlinear Problems for Fibrous Composites and Advanced Nonlinear Applications, (10) Computerized Symbolic Manipulation and Nonlinear Analysis Software Systems. Some of the papers present some really new material while some others are just extensions of the individual authors' previously well-documented works. In reviewer's opinion the most interesting papers included in this book are: a paper by M.urakawa et al on the structural stability analysis using a new complementary energy method; a paper by Kanok-Nukulchai et al on a new shell element for large deflection dynamic analysis; two papers by Geradin et al and Siu et al on optimal load discretization techniques for incremental/iterative nonlinear finite element analyses; a paper by Pifko et al devoted to the theory and application of finite element analysis to structural crash simulation; two papers by Chang et al and Reddy et al on nonlinear analyses of laminated plates and shells; finally, a paper by Noor giving an excellent survey of computer programs available for solution of nonlinear structm'al analysis. The book should attract scientists doing research in different fields of nonlinear finite element methods. Unfortunately the book's type-set quality is somehow disastrous. Some of the figures are quite unreadable (because of bad printing) as well as numerous formulas (a lot of brackets etc. are missing!). D. Karamanlidis Georgia Institute of Technology
36
Adv. Eng. Software, 1982, Vol. 4, No. 1
RELIABILITY ENGINEERING ASSESSMENT E. J. Henley and H. Kamamoto Prentice-Hall Inc. 1981, 568 pages.
AND
RISK
This introductory text grew out from numerous short courses given by the authors since 1975 for chemical engineers. It was intended to be used by practicing engineers and advanced undergraduate or graduate students. The desired goal of the authors was to give a comprehensive and easy to understand text such that an engineer can apply to his practical needs. Theoretical explanations and developments were kept deliberately to a minimum but attentions were drawn to wider aspects of the subject such as social, psychological and political implications. As such the authors had set themselves a difficult task whereby sample examples have to be painstakingly constructed to guide the readers throughout. Some of the more advanced theorems were only stated without proper explanation or proof. For example, the upper and lower bounds using the inclusionexclusion principle should have been derived. The first four chapters provide basic concepts such as preliminary hazards analysis, failure modes and effects analysis, event trees, fault trees, decision tables and probabilistic parameters from failure data. Error bounds and confidence limits for failure data was introduced in chapter 5. Survey of failure data and data bank sources were given in chapter 6, which should be very useful for reference purposes. More advanced concepts of system analysis were given in the later chapters, with kinetic tree theory for calculation of expected number of failures and Markov method for obtaining system reliability. Topics such as importance indices and special techniques for processing plants (storage tanks, protective systems, cold stanby etc) were mentioned. Monte Carlo methods of system simulations were discussed in chapter 12 and their importance stressed. The final chapter gave eight case studies. References were generously given throughout the text. Of special interest to readers of the present journal could be the information concerning eleven programs written by the authors which covered most of the topics in the text. They were written in Fortran language and can be obtained from either of the authors. Other Fortran subroutines given in the text were used for random function generation and simulations by Monte Carlo techniques. H. S. Y. Chan NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES B. T. Browne and J. J. H. Miller (eds.) Boole Press, Dublin, Ireland, 1979. 303 pp. Price: $42. On June 27 to 29, 1979, the first conference on the Numerical Analysis of Semiconductor Devices (NASCODE I) was held in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Both numerical analysts and electronic engineers, including many from the industrial sector, contributed toward this comprehensive collection of articles in the rapidly expanding field of semiconduvtor device physics. The book presents the conference proceedings in two parts: nine invited lectures and twenty-six reports by other