Contact Info
Department of Applied Mathematics
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3G1
Phone: 519-888-4567, ext. 32700
Fax: 519-746-4319
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader
MC 5479
Tian Qiao
Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo
Design of Tubular Network Systems Using Circle Packing and Discrete Optimization
In this thesis, we describe the design of a tubular network systems that must occupy, as best as possible, regions that demonstrate some kind of longitudinal symmetry. In order to simplify the problem, the region of the container is discretized into a sequence of prism blocks . The problem is decomposed into two parts: 1. Pack tubes in these blocks, 2. Connect these packed tubes at the ends of each block.
In the first part, since each block is prismatic, the problem of packing tubes is equivalent to the packing of circles in the cross-sectional area of each block. In this case, we assume that the cross-sectional area of each block is a polygon. We investigate a series of algorithms to pack circles, including a rather naive approach as well as the GGL [2] circle packing algorithm. Then we modify the GGL algorithm to pack circles in regions that are more complicated. Based on the GGL, we will also invent new algorithm that provides more satisfactory packing results.
In the second part, we connect the packed tubes from Part one to form a complete network system. First we consider the simplest case -- constructing a tubular system in a container with no variations, i.e., a single block. We solve this problem in terms of the travelling salesman problem (TSP) which is a classical problem in discrete optimization. For containers with varying cross-sections, we connect tubes at end of each block independently instead of constructing a complete system. This problem can be reduced to a perfect matching (PM) problem at each end. We apply similar integer programming algorithms to both perfect matching problem and TSP. However, the design of complete tubular network system in a container exhibiting longitudinal symmetry remains an open problem for future work.
Contact Info
Department of Applied Mathematics
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3G1
Phone: 519-888-4567, ext. 32700
Fax: 519-746-4319
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Office of Indigenous Relations.