The recursive decoupling method for solving tridiagonal linear systems

The work presented in this thesis mainly concerns the analysis of parallel algorithms for the solution of tridiagonal linear systems and the design of a new tridiagonal equation solver, which can be run on a MIMD (Multiple Instruction Multiple Data stream) type parallel computer, in particular the Balance 8000 Sequent system at Loughborough University of Technology. In the first chapter, an introduction to the existing computer models is given, together with a brief description of the process that has led from the uniprocessor machine to the development of different parallel architectures. Enhancement is given to MIMD shared memory systems. In this respect, the main characteristics of the Sequent system are presented, as well as the main programming features supported by the Balance Operating System, the Dynix....cont'd