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Innovative numerical methods in engineering
Books received for review Statistical image processing and graphics, E J Wegman and D J DePriest (eds), Marcel Dekker Inc (1986) 388 pp $74. 75 (in USA and Canada) $89.50 (elsewhere) Image processing techniques and computer graphics are converging; for example by their common use of similar hardware. The papers included in this volume cover such topics as spatial domain filters for image processing, edge detection by partitioning, interactive colour display methods for multivariate data and dimensionality reduction in density estimation. 25 anaglyphs with filter eyeglasses are provided. The targeted readers include statisticians, engineers, computer scientists, CAD specialists and applied mathematicians.
On new types of solid models and their visualization with ray tracing, Jarke J van Wijk, Delft University Press (1986) 129 pp Dfl 30. 55 The background of the work described in this thesis is the application of computers in industrial design. Two major aspects are discussed: first, the development of techniques and tools for defining the geometry of a product and entering it into a computer. Second the development of methods to generate high quality images of the product. Topics covered include geometric modelling, ray tracing, sweeping, blending quadric surfaces, bicubic patches for nonrectangular meshes and a solid modelling language.
Advances in computer graphics II, F R A Hopgood, R ] Hubbold and D A Duce (eds), Springer- Verlag (I 986) 186 pp DM 80 There are five parts to this description of advances in computer graphics, each contributed by a different author. The first part develops a set of principles for the effective use of colour in graphics. The second part describes
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the evolution of cartographic systems from producers of conventional maps to geographical information systems. The third part reviews techniques for modelling and displaying 3D scenes. Standardization of activities concerned with the transfer and storage of graphical information are described in the fourth part. The impact of VLSI (very large scale integration) on graphics system design is discussed in the final part. The book is a member of the series of Eurographic Seminars.
Human aspects of computer-aided design, A Majchrzak, T-C Chang, W Barfield, R Eberts and G Salvendy, Taylor & Francis Ltd (1986) 278 pp £25 A discussion of the technical, operator and management factors that arise when CAD systems are introduced is presented in this book. It is divided into four parts. The first three deal separately with the technical, human and management aspects, while the final part attempts to integrate these factors and comment on the effective design and use of CAD. Topics covered include workstation and interface design for CAD, cognitive and perceptual aspects of CAD, managing the implementation process and CAD software and hardware technology.
A finite element primer, NA FEMS (National Agency for Finite Element Methods and Standards) (1986) 277pp NAFEMS is an organization funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry and charged with maintaining standards in finite element technology. This primer aims to explain the basis of the finite element method. There are chapters on such topics as structural analysis, beams, 2D membranes, mesh specification, dynamics and nonlinear analysis. Examples are also given to illustrate some of the modelling difficulties encountered in making a finite element idealization. There is a five page index at the back of the book.
Innovative numerical methods m engineering, R P Shaw, J Periau% A Chaudouet, ] Wu, C Marino and C A Brebbia (eds), Springer-Ver/ag (1986) 729 pp The Fourth International Symposium on Numerical Methods for Engineers, of which this book is the proceedings, was held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA in March 1986. It is aimed at the transfer of technology in the field of numerical analysis and other aspects of computational engineering between researchers in universities, government laboratories and industry. The subjects studied are split into seven categories: • mathematics • fluids • solid mechanics • structures • soil structure/fluid structure and acoustics • chemical engineering/energy • thermo/FEM mechanics and computer science There are nearly one hundred papers covering the sections outlined above. However, there is no index to these proceedings.
Computer graphics, D Hearn and M P Baker, Prentice Hall (1986) 352 pp £16.95 The basic principles for the design, use and understanding of graphics systems are presented. The hardware and software components of graphics systems are examined. Algorithms for creating and manipulating graphics displays are discussed. Programming examples in Pascal illustrate the implementation and application of such algorithms. The Graphical Kernel System (GKS) is introduced and GKS formats for graphics routine calls are used in the Pascal programs. 3D techniques are discussed as are the different ways that solid objects can be represented and methods of hidden-line removal and shading. A seven page bibliography is followed by a six page index.
computer-aided design
On new types of solid models and their visualization with ray tracing, Jarke J van Wijk, Delft University Press (1986) 129 pp Dfl 30. 55 The background of the work described in this thesis is the application of computers in industrial design. Two major aspects are discussed: first, the development of techniques and tools for defining the geometry of a product and entering it into a computer. Second the development of methods to generate high quality images of the product. Topics covered include geometric modelling, ray tracing, sweeping, blending quadric surfaces, bicubic patches for nonrectangular meshes and a solid modelling language.
Advances in computer graphics II, F R A Hopgood, R ] Hubbold and D A Duce (eds), Springer- Verlag (I 986) 186 pp DM 80 There are five parts to this description of advances in computer graphics, each contributed by a different author. The first part develops a set of principles for the effective use of colour in graphics. The second part describes
44
the evolution of cartographic systems from producers of conventional maps to geographical information systems. The third part reviews techniques for modelling and displaying 3D scenes. Standardization of activities concerned with the transfer and storage of graphical information are described in the fourth part. The impact of VLSI (very large scale integration) on graphics system design is discussed in the final part. The book is a member of the series of Eurographic Seminars.
Human aspects of computer-aided design, A Majchrzak, T-C Chang, W Barfield, R Eberts and G Salvendy, Taylor & Francis Ltd (1986) 278 pp £25 A discussion of the technical, operator and management factors that arise when CAD systems are introduced is presented in this book. It is divided into four parts. The first three deal separately with the technical, human and management aspects, while the final part attempts to integrate these factors and comment on the effective design and use of CAD. Topics covered include workstation and interface design for CAD, cognitive and perceptual aspects of CAD, managing the implementation process and CAD software and hardware technology.
A finite element primer, NA FEMS (National Agency for Finite Element Methods and Standards) (1986) 277pp NAFEMS is an organization funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry and charged with maintaining standards in finite element technology. This primer aims to explain the basis of the finite element method. There are chapters on such topics as structural analysis, beams, 2D membranes, mesh specification, dynamics and nonlinear analysis. Examples are also given to illustrate some of the modelling difficulties encountered in making a finite element idealization. There is a five page index at the back of the book.
Innovative numerical methods m engineering, R P Shaw, J Periau% A Chaudouet, ] Wu, C Marino and C A Brebbia (eds), Springer-Ver/ag (1986) 729 pp The Fourth International Symposium on Numerical Methods for Engineers, of which this book is the proceedings, was held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA in March 1986. It is aimed at the transfer of technology in the field of numerical analysis and other aspects of computational engineering between researchers in universities, government laboratories and industry. The subjects studied are split into seven categories: • mathematics • fluids • solid mechanics • structures • soil structure/fluid structure and acoustics • chemical engineering/energy • thermo/FEM mechanics and computer science There are nearly one hundred papers covering the sections outlined above. However, there is no index to these proceedings.
Computer graphics, D Hearn and M P Baker, Prentice Hall (1986) 352 pp £16.95 The basic principles for the design, use and understanding of graphics systems are presented. The hardware and software components of graphics systems are examined. Algorithms for creating and manipulating graphics displays are discussed. Programming examples in Pascal illustrate the implementation and application of such algorithms. The Graphical Kernel System (GKS) is introduced and GKS formats for graphics routine calls are used in the Pascal programs. 3D techniques are discussed as are the different ways that solid objects can be represented and methods of hidden-line removal and shading. A seven page bibliography is followed by a six page index.
computer-aided design