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Parallel tetrahedral mesh adaptation with dynamic load balancing

Journal Article · · Parallel Computing Journal

The ability to dynamically adapt an unstructured grid is a powerful tool for efficiently solving computational problems with evolving physical features. In this paper, we report on our experience parallelizing an edge-based adaptation scheme, called 3D-TAG, using message passing. Results show excellent speedup when a realistic helicopter rotor mesh is randomly refined. However, performance deteriorates when the mesh is refined using a solution-based error indicator since mesh adaptation for practical problems occurs in a localized region, creating a severe load imbalance. To address this problem, we have developed PLUM, a global dynamic load balancing framework for adaptive numerical computations. Even though PLUM primarily balances processor workloads for the solution phase, it reduces the load imbalance problem within mesh adaptation by repartitioning the mesh after targeting edges for refinement but before the actual subdivision. This dramatically improves the performance of parallel 3D-TAG since refinement occurs in a more load balanced fashion. We also present optimal and heuristic algorithms that, when applied to the default mapping of a parallel repartitioner, significantly reduce the data redistribution overhead. Finally, portability is examined by comparing performance on three state-of-the-art parallel machines.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab., CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Director, Office of Science. Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
776616
Report Number(s):
LBNL--46244
Journal Information:
Parallel Computing Journal, Journal Name: Parallel Computing Journal Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 26
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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