Dynamic load-balancing of finite element applications with the DRAMA library

The DRAMA library, developed within the European Commission funded (ESPRIT) project DRAMA, supports dynamic load-balancing for parallel (message-passing) mesh-based applications. The target applications are those with dynamic and solution-adaptive features. The focus within the DRAMA project was on finite element simulation codes for structural mechanics. An introduction to the DRAMA library will illustrate that the very general cost model and the interface designed specifically for application requirements provide simplified and effective access to a range of parallel partitioners. The main body of the paper will demonstrate the ability to provide dynamic load-balancing for parallel FEM problems that include: adaptive meshing, re-meshing, the need for multi-phase partitioning.

Identification and doing without it, V: A formal mathematical analysis for a case of mix-up of individuals, and of recovery from failure to attain identification

Identification, when sought, is not necessarily obtained. Operational guidance that is normatively acceptable may be necessary for such cases. We proceed to formalize and illustrate modes of exchanges of individual identity, and provide procedures of recovery strategies in specific prescriptions from an ancient body of law for such situations when, for given types of purposes, individuals of some relevant kind had become intermixed and were undistinguishable. Rules were devised, in a variety of domains, for coping with situations that occur if and when the goal of identification was frustrated. We propose or discuss mathematical representations of such recovery procedures.

Magnetic damping of levitated liquid droplets in AC and DC field

The intense AC magnetic field required to produce levitation in terrestrial conditions, along with the buoyancy and thermo-capillary forces, results in turbulent convective flow within the droplet. The use of a homogenous DC magnetic field allows the convective flow to be damped. However the turbulence properties are affected at the same time, leading to a possibility that the effective turbulent damping is considerably reduced. The MHD modified K-Omega turbulence model allows the investigation of the effect of magnetic field on the turbulence. The model incorporates free surface deformation, the temperature dependent surface tension, turbulent momentum transport, electromagnetic and gravity forces. The model is adapted to incorporate a periodic laser heating at the top of the droplet, which have been used to measure the thermal conductivity of the material by calculating the phase lag between the frequency of the laser heating and the temperature response at the bottom. The numerical simulations show that with the gradual increase of the DC field the fluid flow within the droplet is initially increasing in intensity. Only after a certain threshold magnitude of the field the flow intensity starts to decrease. In order to achieve the flow conditions close to the ‘laminar’ a D.C. magnetic field >4 Tesla is required to measure the thermal conductivity accurately. The reduction in the AC field driven flow in the main body of the drop leads to a noticeable thermo-capillary convection at the edge of the droplet. The uniform vertical DC magnetic field does not stop a translational oscillation of the droplet along the field, which is caused by the variation in total levitation force due to the time-dependent surface deformation.

Exploration of the student experience of e-learning: beginning to bridge the learning divide

Introduction This proposal aims, through debate within symposium to explore the student experience of e-learning. The team facilitating the discussion will draw upon their experience of an HEA funded pathfinder project, the main aim of which was to collect learner stories about their experience of using technology in their everyday learning activities at the University of Greenwich across a range of programmes, levels, locations and student groups. Method The project design responded to the growing body of student voice literature and then utilised and built upon the JISC-funded studies that focussed on understanding the learner perspectives on the role of technology in learning, namely: • the LEX study which investigated a broad spectrum of technology use by eliciting rich data about learners’ feelings, beliefs and intentions towards e-learning (Creanor et al, 2006); • the LXP studies which explored disciplinary differences in uses of technology by university students through a variety of methodologies (Conole et al, 2006). Results The symposium will be organised as a round table discussion that will be structured into three sections: • Designing an online survey tool, and the results of our survey. • Exploring student stories. • What can learned from the project and taking the findings back to enhance learning. To stimulate discussion each section will start by asking the participants to discuss and debate a particular question, this will be followed by an interactive presentation by the respective member of the project team who will share the findings of the project and invite contributions to the resulting discussion from personal perspectives. The questions are: • What is effective learning within a context of digital technology? • What are the myths and truths about the identity of today's learners? • What practical changes need to happen in order to see real change? Conclusion The final section of the symposium will invite contributions from the participants in order to collate the views and perspectives of all the participants in order to focus the discussion on the following: • The issues that have arisen as a result of the round table debates. • New speculative approaches to enhancing the student experience. • A controversial stand to the future of Higher Education teaching and learning and the role and integration of technology within that education. The symposium will provide an opportunity to explore the predictive value of Student Experience of E-Learning Laboratory (SEEL) project.