The use of linked lists in the simulation of controller-structure interaction

An algorithm for the computer simulation of large space structures under active control is considered. Linked lists are used in a matrix data structure to implement the trapezoidal rule on system differential equations. The use of the trapezoidal rule ensures that the numerical stability is equivalent to the system stability, which is essential for this type of simulation. The sparsity of the system matrices is exploited by the linked lists, and the algorithm efficiently steps through the lists in an orderly fashion. Results of simulations on a NASA large space structure experiment are reported.