Faculty of Mathematic Handbook,1987 - University of Newcastle

The project is led by Professor Keedy and Dr. Rosenberg, and various aspects of the
research are also carried out by Dr. Blatt, Dr. Beresford-Smith and Simon. In addition
several post-graduate students are involved. There is close collaboration with other
institutions, including hardware work with Dr. D. Abramson of the CSIRO Division of
Infonnation Technology and programming language design work with Dr. M. Evered of
the Technical University of Dannstadt, West Germany.
Multiprocessor Systems and Compiler Design
A small multiprocessor computing system has been set up by Dr. Blatt to study the
solution of problems in this environment. For compute-bound processing, enormous
costlperfonnance advantages are potentiaJly available for this type of system. Following a
survey of attempts by other research groups to construct multiprocessor facilities, it
became apparent that although the hardware is relatively easy to construct, this type of
system has not gained wide acceptance due to inherent software problems in moving
realistic compute-bound problems onto this type of equipment. We are studying these
problem areas, with a view to building a multiprocessor software "toolkit" for moving
single user applications onto the multiprocessor system. Coupled with this, we are
looking at optimizing compiling techniques appropriate for multiprocessor configurations.
Operating Systems
The MONADS Team is developing techniques for simplifying the structure of operating
systems, for unifying file memory and virtual memory, for introducing flexible and
highly secure user identification and infonnation protection mechanisms and for
simplifying synchronisation. (See The MONADS Project.)
Programming Language Design
Research is in progress to formulate very high level programming language features,
making use of ideas based on sets, sequences and tuples, to allow algorithms and data
structures to be expressed in an abstract way, independently of computer concepts such as
arrays, pointers, files, etc. This is being combined with advanced ideas concerning the
specification, design and implementation of modules, and classes of modules, into a new
high level language, LEIBNIZ. (See The MONADS Project.)
Realtime Process Control by Networked Computers
This project is designed to use reaJtime magnetic field measurements for monitoring and
fault protection in high voltage electrical switchyards. Following an initial theoretical
evaluation of the problem, a computer simulation was perfonned, and then a model was
constructed using analogue techniques. A larger model with digital control was then
constructed, and after successful testing, a full prototype control system has been set up
in the 132 KV substation at Merewether, near Newcastle. The Merewether system
consists of 24 microcomputer monitoring stations in the switchyard, networked back to a
control computer with a graphics display. A realtime consistency checking algorithm
identifies and localizes faults in milliseconds, so that they can be appropriately isolated.
The system also allows realtime monitoring of waveforms derived from mathematical
transfonnations of bursts of digitized readings of magnetic fields around the switchyard.
The project is being run by Dr. Blatt in cooperation with Engineers from the Electricity
Commission of N.S.W., with both direct support and research funding through the
Electrical Research Board. The simulation software was developed by Prof 1. Blatt whilst
at the University of N.S.W. In addition, several graduate research students at Newcastle
have been involved in work on the project.
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Software Engineering
The areas of software engineering of particular interest are the structure of large software
systems (including the specification, design and implementation of modules) and the
provision of a software engineering support environment and database. (See The
MONADS Project.)
VLSI
Dr. B. Beresford-Smith is interested in VLSI systems, the development of software tools
to aid their design and the analysis of algorithms which take advantage of the conculTent
structures offered by VLSI.
RESEARCH IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
Algebra
Associate Professor W. Brisley is working on some problems in group theory which arise
from graph theory, and on general problems associated with Symmetry.
Astrophysics
Dr Wood is investigating the structure and internal dynamics of the oblique rotator model
of magnetic stars. The problem of magno-acoustic waves in the atmosphere of Ap stars
is also being studied.
Biomathematics
Dr W. Summerfield is also studying fluid mechanicaJ features of the cardiovascular
circulatory system. He is interested in the mathematical modelling of all functions of the
human body.
Combinatorial Theory and Operations Research
Dr R. B. Eggleton is interested in all aspects of combinatoriaJ mathematics, particularly
graph theory. His research projects include graphic sequences, eulerian graphs, graph
colouring, difference graphs, rectilinear graphs, crossing numbers of graphs, combinatorial
game theory and combinatorics of cables and braids.
Professor A. 1. Guttmann is studying the enumeration of self-avoiding random walks on
lattices.
Mr G. W. Southern is working on constructions of block designs.
Differential Geometry an'd Relativity
Associate Professor P. K. Smrz is working on generalizations of Einstein's theory of
relativity using modem differentiaJ geometry - in particular, the theory of Lie groups and
fibre bundles.
Dynamical Systems
Dr 1. G. Couper is working on stable and generic properties of flows and
diffeomorphisms.
Fluid Mechanics
Professor A. J. Guttmann is studying the problem of extrapolating regular perturbation
series in fluid mechanics.
Dr W. T. F. Lau is concerned with viscous flow problems, particularly those involving
free boundaries.
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