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The Continuation Method

JUN 01, 1982
The need to solve systems of polynomial equations arises in pursuits ranging from geometric optics to chemical kinetics. A practical method of solution, developed at the General Motors Research Laboratories, provides designers of mechanical parts with a new capability.

DOI: 10.1063/1.2938043

Physics Today

CLASSICALLY difficult nonlinear equations–those made up of polynomial expressions–can now be solved with reliability and speed. Recent advances in the mathematics of continuation methods at the General Motors Research Laboratories have practical implications for a wide range of scientific and engineering problems. The immediate application at General Motors is in mechanical design. The new method finds all eight solutions to three quadric equations in a few tenths of a second–fast enough for computer‐aided design on a moment‐to‐moment basis. Algorithms based on this method are critical to the functioning of GMSOLID, an interactive design system which models the geometric characteristics of automotive parts.

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This Content Appeared In
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Volume 35, Number 6

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