Abstract: An apparatus (14) for locating a source of acoustic mission in an article (10) comprises a plurality of spaced transducers (18) which supply output signals corresponding to detected acoustic emission activity to a processor (24). Artificially induced acoustic emissions (12) are generated in the article (10) by directing a laser beam (33) onto the article (10). A camera (40) produces an image of the article (10) and any laser flashes. A processor (42) converts the positions of the laser flashes to coordinates on the article (10). A processor (24) analyses parameters of the acoustic emission in the output signals and the coordinates of the laser flashes to infer the mathematical relationship between the parameters and location of acoustic emissions.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting and measuring cracks in plate-like structures using acoustic emission technique are disclosed. A false aperture transducer is designed to provide a criterion for filtering out extraneous noise in the acoustic emission signal based on modal analysis by computing the ratio of the high-frequency peak amplitude to low-frequency peak amplitude of the signal. A calibration curve correlating crack depth to the amplitude ratio can be obtained by simulating crack growth in a fracture specimen coupled to a test structure or field structure, and measuring acoustic emission signal in the structure by the false aperture transducer. The calibration curve correlates simulated crack depth percentage with computed peak amplitude ratio of the measured signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and measuring cracks in plate-like Structures using acoustic emission technique is disclosed. A transducer coupled with the structure is equally sensitive to in-plane and out-of-plane acoustic emission signals. A splitter receives the output signal of the transducer and divides the acoustic emission signal into a high-frequency signal and a low-frequency signal. A circuit generates a high-frequency peak amplitude and a low-frequency amplitude from there high-frequency and low-frequency signals. A computer computes the ratio of the high-frequency peak amplitude to the low-frequency peak amplitude.

Abstract: Ultrasonic techniques are applied to the measurement of wooden members to identify localized anomalies internal to the wooden members substantially smaller than the full width of the ultrasonic beam. Multiple spatially displaced measurements allow generation of comprehensive maps of the wooden members to aid in computer cutting and grading of the wooden members.

Abstract: The technology used in the present invention is acousto-ultrasonics (AU), in which a transmitted signal, at a controlled frequency is injected into a specimen with one transducer and received at another location by another transducer, permitting evaluation of the condition of the material in the signal path. In the experiments that were made using the present invention, the material within the press was a particleboard mat having the signal injected into the edge of one platen and received at the edge of the second platen. The AU signal received at the second platen is initially in response to pressure changes in the mat and subsequently follows the progression of internal bonding of the material. Since the propagated wave through the mat reacts to resin curing during the last phase of pressing, changes in material or press variables are reflected directly in shifts of the curve received at the second platen.

Abstract: The apparatus for determining the stiffness of sheet material is provided with mechanical means which periodically touch the sheet material, causing it to vibrate. The sounds produced by the vibration are detected by a detector. From the detected sounds an evaluating device determines the stiffness of the sheet material. The sheet material is held or guided in a transport device such that it can yield to the mechanical action within certain limits in the area of contact without being irreversibly deformed.

Abstract: A wireless safety and surveillance recorder system for aircraft incorporates a plurality of strategically spaced wireless sensors for monitoring critical components and operational characteristics of the aircraft. The captured data and a wireless image are transmitted to a monitor in the cockpit and recorded on a "black box" flight recorder, and may be transmitted to ground control stations for real time or near real time surveillance. The system may include a second recorder for providing redundancy and may include redundant sensors.

Abstract: In an optoacoustic gas sensor having a sensor body (1, 2), a light source (10), a measurement cell (6) with a gas-permeable membrane (15), a measurement microphone (13), and an optical measurement filter (11) between the light source (10) and the measurement cell (6), a reference cell (7) is included that is separate from the measurement cell (6). The reference cell (7) has a reference microphone (14) that is shielded against optoacoustic signals from the gas to be detected via the reference cell being substantially free from intensity-modulated optical radiation having an absorption wavelength of the gas to be detected. The measurement signal, which indicates gas concentration, is obtained by subtraction of the signals from the two microphones (13, 14).

Abstract: A ring-shaped bearing failure sensor constructed of insulation and electrically conductive material utilizing printed circuit board technology. Because of its construction, high dimensional tolerances can be achieved and the ring can be easily assembled as a component of a generator. Further, the bearing sensor is equipped with a resistor so that the operational readiness of the sensor can be monitored.

Abstract: A system for authenticating bank notes by checking for raised print (37) produced by an intaglio printing process which only occurs on genuine bank notes. Each note (36) is individually transported past a pair of brushes (38) whose bristles are in contact with the two faces of the note. Microphones (28) are placed in close proximity to the brush means to sense the noise from the brush means which increases when there is raised print. Output from the microphones are digitized and applied to a data processing means (22) which determines whether the note contains raised printing, and hence whether the note is genuine or not, by generating a value based on the digitized outputs of the microphones (28) and comparing this value with stored values.

Abstract: A process for the predictive determination in the pre-critical range of the load at rupture of a structure, comprising subjecting the structure to a stress of the same type as the load and for a time according to a predetermined law, whilst recording the acoustical activity generated by the resulting damage, until a predetermined stress threshold is reached. A correlation is maintained between the registered acoustic emission and the relation ##EQU1## in which: ##EQU2## is the variation of acoustic energy generated by the damage, t is time,t.sub.r is the instant of rupture, .DELTA., .alpha., C, .lambda. and .phi. are coefficients, so as to predetermine the value of prediction of the load at rupture from the above law connecting time and load.

Abstract: The vibration detecting apparatus comprises a pickup 2 encasing a piezoelectric element 8 therein, a cord 3 for transmitting an electric signal output by said piezoelectric element 8, and a noise absorbent member 4 in the form of a lump made of rubber, and formed therein with a cord insert path having at least one direction-changing portion 14a, said noise absorbent member being mounted at a suitable position of said cord. The noise absorbent member is preferably made of low repulsion elastic rubber and is preferably spherical. The cord inser path 14 is preferably in the shape of substantially U. According to the aforementioned construction, noises such as a wind-cut sound and a frictional sound generated at the cord can be effectively removed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting and measuring cracks in plate-like structures using acoustic emission technique are disclosed. A false aperture transducer is designed to provide a criterion for filtering out extraneous noise in the acoustic emission signal based on modal analysis by computing the ratio of the high-frequency peak amplitude to low-frequency peak amplitude of the signal. A calibration curve correlating crack depth to the amplitude ratio can be obtained by simulating crack growth in a fracture specimen coupled to a test structure or field structure, and measuring acoustic emission signal in the structure by the false aperture transducer. The calibration curve correlates simulated crack depth percentage with computed peak amplitude ratio of the measured signal.

Abstract: In order to provide a termite detection apparatus that is capable of detecting an infestation of termites in a reliable manner and a termite alarm unit that employs this termite detection apparatus, the termite detection apparatus according to the present invention comprises a sensor section. The sensor section comprises a case, an attractant member provided inside the case and a detection portion provided with a for detection mechanism where the attractant member is provided to detect termites that have entered, attracted by the attractant member. The termite detection apparatus also includes a sensor cover enclosing an area around the sensor section.

Abstract: A method for monitoring defects in a railway with a computer system, the computer system includes the steps of determining positional data and status data for a railway, comparing historical status data to the status data to determine a defect for the railway, the defect having a defect type, displaying an image of a particular geographic area on a display that includes a location corresponding to the positional data, determining an icon associated with the defect type, and displaying the icon associated with the defect type on the display.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the internal pressure of a closed container includes inducing vibration in a surface of the container; detecting sound resulting from the vibration; deriving information representing the detecting sound; and determining whether this information corresponds to a predetermined spectral frequency condition and a predetermined spectral amplitude condition. To ensure that the test results are not affected by modulating distortion which may be present in the information, the information is tested for the presence of a modulating distortion, and if so processed to compensate for the effects of this modulating distortion, prior to being tested against the predetermined spectral conditions.

Abstract: The laser optoacoustic imaging system described herein utilizes time-resolved measurement of profiles of laser-induced transient pressure (acoustic) waves. The pressure waves are emitted by acoustic sources preferentially generated in absorbing tissues of diagnostic interest. This technique allows visualization of absorbed light distribution in turbid, layered and heterogeneous tissues irradiated by laser pulses in vivo. The laser optoacoustic tomography can be used for the characterization of structure and properties of normal tissue, and for the detection of tissue pathological changes. The optical heterogeneities that can be imaged with the laser optoacoustic imaging system include abnormal tissues such as tumors, injured tissues, blood vessels and other layered tissues. Further, three dimensional images of organs and portions of organs can be obtained.

Abstract: A nondestructive inspection method of inspecting a securing defect of a polymer insulator having an FRP core, an outer cover portion arranged around the FRP core, and at least one metal member secured to at least one end of the FRP core, includes the steps of; measuring an acoustic emission signal generated when the metal member is secured to the FRP core by using compression dies; and determining whether or not the securing defect is generated on the basis of the acoustic emission signal in process. Moreover, the disclosed apparatus performs the nondestructive inspection method mentioned above.

Abstract: A method for locating a source position of an anomalous signal in a radial bearing comprises using a signal detection sensor, an inner-ring positional detection sensor for detecting a rotational position of a bearing inner ring, and a ball positional detection sensor for detecting a revolution position of bearing-balls. Signals from the signal detection sensor, inner-ring positional detection sensor, and ball positional detection sensor are used to locate positions of contact between balls and the inner or outer ring at a time of anomalous signal generation, within a load zone, as an anomalous signal source position.

Abstract: A method of tensioning parallel prestressing members of a building or building component of prestressed concrete or a tension member composed of a plurality of individual elements, such as steel rods, steel wires or steel strands, wherein the individual elements are successively tensioned either individually or in groups. The tensioning method described above includes the steps of tensioning a first individual element or a group of individual elements until a predetermined tension is reached and anchoring the first individual element or group of individual elements; tensioning a second individual element or a group of individual elements until the tension thereof is equal to the tension of the previously tensioned individual element or elements at the same time and anchoring the second individual element or group of individual elements; and repeating the preceding step until all individual elements are tensioned and anchored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a subject identification method which is adapted for performing an examination as to whether any change exists on an subject, or adapted for performing an estimation of a degree of the change on the subject. It is an aim that the examination and the estimation are performed with great accuracy. Residual signals are evaluated by means of letting an inverse filter interact with a standard and samples which may be out of the standard, so that a plurality of statistical variables are extracted, thereby testing or estimating as to whether a statistical significant difference exists between those two statistical variable groups.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting failure of tensioned reinforcements in a structure by means of a plurality of acoustic or seismic detectors disposed about the structure in a known arrangement, processing signals from the detectors to determine frequency contents and origins, and identifying simultaneous signals as due to the failure of tensioned reinforcements in the structure when they meet spectral and origin criteria.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor system is provided for detecting failures or terrorist events in commercial aviation and is adapted for assisting in the detection and post event analysis of such events. The system is adapted for use in combination with a comprehensive multi-media safety and surveillance system, utilizing both visual and audio information as well as critical data to the flight crew, and to a ground tracking station, and recording the information and data generated during flight. A plurality of acoustic sensors are strategically and systematically placed about an airframe. The sensors are adapted for communicating with a monitor/recording system and may be hard wired or utilize wireless communications therewith. In the event of a catastrophic event, such as a bomb explosion, a gunshot or structural failure an acoustic event would be recorded for later analysis.

Abstract: Changes in the internal diameter of a fluid handling pipes are measured by measuring the vibrational characteristics by a non-invasive, passive acoustic technique. Deviations from the normal vibrational characteristics are sensed and used to determine changes of increase or decrease in the pipe's internal diameter.

Abstract: A method for locating structure-borne sound events in pressure enclosures to be monitored in power plants, includes positioning sensors at various locations on a pressure enclosure. Signals are picked up with each of the sensors upon arrival of a sound wave generated by a structure-borne sound event and propagating along the pressure enclosure. The signals are stored in recording devices disposed downstream. A location of the structure-borne sound event is determined with a hyperbolic section method, from transit time differences resulting from different arrival times of the sound wave at two different sensors. Each range of possible speed values for the propagation of the generated sound wave is made a basis of one respective structure-borne sound event. The hyperbolic section method is performed separately for each speed value of the range for outputting a location indication with an error. The location with the least error is selected as the most likely location of the structure-borne sound event.

Abstract: An acoustic wave transducer useful in sonic logging while drilling a borehole through an adjacent earth formation includes an array of transducer elements mounted circumferentially around a drill collar. The elements are bonded in an elastomer ring that is received in an external groove in the collar and are protected by a shield having windows. The elements are electrically connected in parallel so that when excited by an electrical pulse, the elements generate a monopole acoustic wave that propagates out into the formation. When used as a receiver, the electrically connected array of elements detect averaged acoustic waves from the formation around the circumference of the drill collar and have minimum sensitivity to acoustic multipole waves traveling through the drill collar.

Abstract: A panel of several circuit boards connected by bridges is separated into individual boards by opposed dies which sever the link. Shock from the die impact can damage fragile components mounted on the circuit boards, especially when dies become dull and the singulation machine needs to be serviced. Periodic measurements of die acceleration and panel acceleration are made during a die wear cycle to obtain an empirical function of the correlation of those parameters. A threshold of acceptable panel acceleration is established and the related limit of die acceleration is determined from the correlation function. Die acceleration is then monitored during a production run to predict when machine servicing is needed.

Abstract: A highly reliable early warning system that can provide efficient detection of railway activity and early warning of dangerous railway conditions to train operators and to central dispatch control offices. The warning system has an acoustic sensor circuit coupled to the railway for detecting sound waves resulting from physical vibrations thereon, an acoustic analyzer unit for analyzing the sound waves detected on the railway to identify any suspect conditions thereon and to generate an alarm if such a suspect condition is identified, and an acoustic signal processing unit for storing detected sound waves in a sound file for quick retrieval and analysis. The alarm signal may be transmitted over any communications system to the central control office and to trains traveling on the dangerous track.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and measuring cracks in plate-like structures using acoustic emission technique is disclosed. A false aperture transducer is formed by bonding a mass-loading component to and partially covering a small circular portion of the center surface of a larger aperture piezoelectric disk. In this manner, only a small part of the piezoelectric material in the center of the disk is mass-loaded and very sensitive to low frequency flexure waves created by out-of-plane sources while the remainder of the disk is unloaded and sensitive to high frequency extensional and shear waves created by in-plane sources.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing the acoustic field on the surface of a vibrating object based on measurements of the radiated acoustic pressure includes solving the Helmholtz equation directly using the expansion of a set of independent functions that are generated by the Gram-Schmidt orthonormalization with respect to the particular solutions to the Helmholtz equation. The coefficients associated with these independent functions are determined by requiring the assumed form of solution to satisfy the pressure boundary condition at the measurement points. The errors involved in these coefficients are minimized by the least squares method. Once these coefficients are specified, the acoustic pressure at any point, including the source surface, is completely determined.

Abstract: In a sensor system with a wireless vibration or structure-borne noise sensor device (1), which makes direct use of the vibration energy of its electrodynamic or piezoelectric measuring unit (5) without other components to transmit the vibration energy via a primary coil (6) of a transformer-like pair of coils (6, 7) electrically connected to the measuring unit (5), to the secondary coil (7) of said pair (6, 7) which is located in a receiver (2) independent of the sensor device (1) and separated only by an air gap (8) which conducts the measured and transformed vibration or structure-borne noise measurement signal further, the sensor system is used to monitor the vibration, structure-borne noise and/or sound especially of defined material-removing tools in machine tools or to detect the noise of noise-generating structural units in testing machines or devices. The sensor device (1) is arranged on a traversing and/or rotary machine component (14), e.g.

Abstract: A system and method for homogeneous bioassay uses acoustic energy emissions. A measurement cell is designed for binding reactions of mobile biorecognition molecules. The binding reaction contained in the measurement cell is for example a ligand/receptor binding reaction or a complementary nucleic acid binding reaction. A passive acoustic energy transducer is coupled to the measurement cell for detecting acoustic energy generated by the binding reaction of mobile biorecognition molecules. The passive acoustic energy transducer generates a corresponding analog electrical signal. A signal conditioner coupled to the passive acoustic energy transducer filters and amplifies the electrical signal. A signal analyzer determines spectra of the conditioned electrical signal corresponding to characteristic acoustic energy emissions of the binding reaction of mobile biorecognition molecules.

Abstract: A method and device for characterizing the compaction result of a powder and monitoring the compaction of the powder during the compaction process. In the method sound emission produced by the compaction process is measured by a sensor and transformed into a frequency spectrum in which the sound intensity is presented as a function of frequency. The intensity of the band relating to the sound emission arising from the compaction of the powder is recorded using different compressive forces, and the compaction result is obtained as a function of the intensity of the band relating to the sound emission arising from compaction.

Abstract: A process for global monitoring of a structure for location of a source of acoustic emissions using the vibration modes of a structure together with the repetition rate of acoustic emission events in said structure thereby allowing determination of source location of acoustic emission events in said structure is provided. Further a process for identifying the arrival of different modes of lamb waves at the same transducer distance, based on the different propagation velocities of these modes is also provided so as to determine the distance from a single transducer to the source of said lamb waves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining the integrity of coated nuclear fuel particles by evaluating acoustic parameter measurements of the particles during controlled loading.

Abstract: A sensor, and a sensor object combination, makes possible the collection of vibratory data from an object while reducing extraneous data and making easier the obtainment of the data. The sensor comprises an elastomeric housing which includes a concave cup portion, and pick-up devices for collecting vibration signals. The concave cup portion comprises a suction cup which makes possible vacuum attachment of the pickup device to the object being tested. The data signal may be amplified, analyzed, and ultimately the data may be analyzed by a computer.

Abstract: The invention, in its most basic form, is a sensor which detects sound generated by a laser ablation process. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a conveyor system presents leadframe strips, having a fixed number of semiconductor packages which have not yet been singulated, to a laser marking apparatus. A dynamic microphone receives an analog input each time the laser marking apparatus makes a mark on a package. The analog input related to each mark is converted to a digital pulse. The series of pulses corresponding to the marking of packages on the leadframe strip are fed to a counter. The contents of the counter are compared with a preset number that corresponds to an expected number of pulses for the particular type of leadframe in use. The conveyor system is stopped so that the problem can be corrected if the expected number of pulses is not received by the counter, which indicates that one or more parts has not been properly marked.

Abstract: A sensor system for mapping absolute acoustic noise intensity in a three-dimensional acoustic noise field. Localized noise sources within a vessel are extracted using a distant array of transducers mounted on the vessel wall. The absolute intensity can be measured even when totally masked by background noise at the transducer locations. The system includes an integrated transducer installation. Each transducer is an accelerometer which is mounted on the vessel wall using a rigid attachment rod which serves as an ultrasonic waveguide. The output of each transducer is split into low- and high-frequency components, the low-frequency component being a function of the vibrational displacement of the localized portion of the vessel wall and the high-frequency component being a function of the vibrational/ultrasonic waves propagating through the localized portion of the vessel wall.

Abstract: An apparatus in which ultrasonic vibrations or acoustic emissions are detected includes a rotating shaft 21 having a dressing wheel 31 mounted on one end, and a detection liquid supply unit 41 disposed at the end face of the wheel and/or shaft so as to form a gap S therebetween and to supply detection liquid toward the rotational center of the wheel to form a detection liquid membrane in the gap. An AE sensor 43 is provided integrally with the detection liquid supply unit and detects the ultrasonic vibrations or acoustic emissions of the wheel and/or shaft through the detection liquid membrane formed in the gap.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for determining the distribution of charge and size in a colloidal system. The arrangement disclosed is adapted to measure these characteristics in an inhomogeneous colloid. A colloid is subjected to a steady or slowly varying force which moves the particles at a rate that depends on their radius or charge and thereby sets up spatial inhomogeneities in the suspension, and to either a unsteady mechanical force or an unsteady electrical force, and the resulting electrical or acoustic effects sensed. Monitoring these characteristics over time and subsequent calculation allows the determination of charge and size distribution, for each species present.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor system for detection of insects in agricultural commodities. The system includes isolation structure for isolating the agricultural commodities from external noise and vibration, an improved acoustic sensor for detecting sound from within the agricultural commodities and for generating a signal in response to sound so detected, and a user recognizable output such as earphones or a light emitting diode for producing user recognizable output in response to signals generated by the acoustic sensor.

Abstract: A cellulose-containing member is provided with a plurality of holes transversely extending therethrough. An emitting element and a receiving element are located at opposite ends, respectively, of each of the holes. The presence or absence of termites is detected by the obstruction of an output wave from the emitting element caused by termites invading the holes, whereupon a detection signal is generated to cause alarm lamps and so on to light up for alarm display. Simultaneously, in order to estimate the number of invading termites, the number of occurences of an obstruction by the termites of the output waves from the emitting elements is counted.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting defects in porous elements including systems and methods for quantifying acoustic signal data. A transducer receives acoustic signals generated within a test chamber by a porous element. A signal processing device may be included for analyzing the acoustic signals received, for quantifying the acoustic signals, and for correlating the acoustic signals with physical attributes of the porous element.

Abstract: The termite detecting device is placed in an expected invading passage for detecting damage or destruction caused by termites. One configuration of the device includes: a detecting wood sample for attracting termites; a detecting terminal being pressed against the detecting wood sample while the detecting wood sample is supplied with water as required; and a magnetic circuit capable of being opened and closed by the movement of the detecting terminal. When the detecting wood sample is eaten and damaged by termites and becomes fragile, the detecting terminal sinks into the detecting wood sample by virtue of a pressing force and the magnetic circuit is made open. As a result, the device detects the existence of termites. Alternatively, another configuration of the termite detecting device detects vibrations caused by termites so as to detect the invasion of termites.

Abstract: Method for predictive determination of load, simple or combined, at rupture, of a structure, which includes subjecting the structure to a stress which is equivalent to the load; recording acoustic activity generated by damages suffered in the structure, up until a pre-determined stress threshold; and determining the predictive value of the load at rupture using the recorded acoustic emission based on a relationship linking time to the load.

Abstract: The present invention determines the presence of a pig in a pipeline and the condition of the pig, as regards to the material the pig may be pushing, by passive acoustic detectors which determine the acoustic characteristics for the pipe and the pig. From these a computer is used to determine from changes in these characteristics the nature of the materials picked up by the pig or the condition of the pig and the pipe.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer has an output which is fed through a preamplifier to a multiple of parallel filters. Each parallel filter passes a band of signals having frequencies within a predetermined range of frequencies. Each band of signals is converted from analog to digital and input to a signal processing unit. The peak amplitude value and the average value of the output from each parallel filter is determined. The peak amplitude value and average amplitude value are compared to determine if a pretrip condition occurs. If a pretrip condition occurs, the average value is saved and compared with the peak amplitude value for a select number of time periods to determine if a trip condition exists. A special test can be used which alters the number of time periods used in determining if a trip condition exists, based on a comparison the peak amplitude value between two of the bands.

Abstract: A system for mapping absolute acoustic noise intensity in a three-dimensional acoustic noise field, and using three-dimensional absolute noise intensities to infer operational or performance characteristics of components or structures within the monitored field. Localized noise sources are extracted using a distant array of transducers, and the absolute intensity can be measured even when totally masked by background noise at the transducer locations. The system includes an integrated sensor installation; a neural network detection system algorithm; a zoom system to precisely examine a small region in the steam generator vessel; a fuzzy logic system detection algorithm; and an expert detection system. The signal processing subsystem operates at three different levels of detection. At the top level of detection a trained neural network system monitors the vessel length for any indication of a leak. The proposed approach uses discriminators which do not require any beamforming of the sensor signals.

Abstract: An electronic measuring instrument measures and records the acceleration frequency spectra of a multi-story building while it is excited by wind. Such frequency spectra are indicative, in part, of building structural stiffness. When a tramatic structural event occurs, such as an earthquake, an explosion, or a hurricane, changes in wind-excited frequency spectra are used to detect hidden structural damage to the building.

Abstract: A method of locating an acoustic emission source in a structure by reverse ray tracing. An azimuth acoustic emission sensor is utilized which has an array of individual elemental detectors which independently and sequentially respond to the passage of an acoustic stress wave. The response of each element of the array is electronically monitored, and individual responses to the acoustic stress wave are analyzed to determine the azimuth approach angle of the wave to the azimuth acoustic emission sensor. An accurate measurement of the true location of the acoustic emission signal source is then provided by reverse ray tracing by using a parallel processing arrangement having a plurality of parallel processing elements. The structure is modeled in the computer on a one to one basis, with each parallel processing element simulating and having structural data on one discrete area of the structure.