Computing schemes for longitudinal train dynamics : sequential, parallel and hybrid

Conventionally, force elements in longitudinal train dynamics (LTD) are determined sequentially. Actually, all these force elements are independent from each other, i.e., determination of each one does not require inputs from others. This independent feature makes LTD feasible for parallel computing. A parallel scheme has been proposed and compared with the conventional sequential scheme in regard to computational efficiency. The parallel scheme is tested as not suitable for LTD; computing time of the parallel scheme is about 165% of the sequential scheme on a four-CPU personal computer (PC). A modified parallel scheme named the hybrid scheme was then proposed. The computing time of the hybrid scheme is only 70% of the sequential scheme. The other advantage of the hybrid scheme is that only two processors are required, which means the hybrid scheme can be implemented on PCs.