Using Graphics Processing Units to solve the classical N-body problem in physics and astrophysics

Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) can speed up the numerical solution of various problems in astrophysics including the dynamical evolution of stellar systems; the performance gain can be more than a factor 100 compared to using a Central Processing Unit only. In this work I describe some strategies to speed up the classical $N$-body problem using GPUs. I show some features of the $N$-body code HiGPUs as template code. In this context, I also give some hints on the parallel implementation of a regularization method and I introduce the code HiGPUs-R. Although the main application of this work concerns astrophysics, some of the presented techniques are of general validity and can be applied to other branches of physics such as electrodynamics and QCD.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, to be published in the proccedings "GPU Computing in High Energy Physics", September 10-12, 2014, Pisa, Ital

A hydrodynamical homotopy co-momentum map and a multisymplectic interpretation of higher order linking numbers

In this article a homotopy co-momentum map (\`a la Callies-Fr\'egier-Rogers-Zambon) trangressing to the standard hydrodynamical co-momentum map of Arnol'd, Marsden and Weinstein and others is constructed and then generalized to a special class of Riemannian manifolds. Also, a covariant phase space interpretation of the coadjoint orbits associated to the Euler evolution for perfect fluids and in particular of Brylinski's manifold of smooth oriented knots is discussed. As an application of the above homotopy co-momentum map, a reinterpretation of the (Massey) higher order linking numbers in terms of conserved quantities within the multisymplectic framework is provided and knot theoretic analogues of first integrals in involution are determined.Comment: 21 pages, 3 figures. The present version focuses on the connections between multisymplectic geometry, hydrodynamics and vortices. The derivation of the HOMFLYPT polynomial via geometric quantization has been proposed as a separate preprint, see "Derivation of the HOMFLYPT knot polynomial via helicity and geometric quantization ", arXiv:1910.xxx

Structural analysis of wind turbine rotors for NSF-NASA Mod-0 wind power system

Preliminary estimates of vibratory loads and stresses in hingeless and teetering rotors for the proposed 100-kW wind power system are presented. Stresses in the shank areas of the 19-m (62.5-ft) blades are given for static, rated, and overload conditions. The teetering rotor has substantial advantages over the hingeless rotor with respect to shank stresses, fatigue life, and tower loading. A teetering rotor will probably be required in order to achieve a long service life in a large wind turbine exposed to periodic overload conditions

Comparison of computer codes for calculating dynamic loads in wind turbines

The development of computer codes for calculating dynamic loads in horizontal axis wind turbines was examined, and a brief overview of each code was given. The performance of individual codes was compared against two sets of test data measured on a 100 KW Mod-0 wind turbine. All codes are aeroelastic and include loads which are gravitational, inertial and aerodynamic in origin

Structural analysis considerations for wind turbine blades

Approaches to the structural analysis of wind turbine blade designs are reviewed. Specifications and materials data are discussed along with the analysis of vibrations, loads, stresses, and failure modes

Calculation of guaranteed mean power from wind turbine generators

A method for calculating the 'guaranteed mean' power output of a wind turbine generator is proposed. The term 'mean power' refers to the average power generated at specified wind speeds during short-term tests. Correlation of anemometers, the method of bins for analyzing non-steady data, the PROP Code for predicting turbine power, and statistical analysis of deviations in test data from theory are discussed. Guaranteed mean power density for the Clayton Mod-OA system was found to be 8 watts per square meter less than theoretical power density at all power levels, with a confidence level of 0.999. This amounts to 4 percent of rated power