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At least 307 records · Page 17

Employing Nested OpenMP for the Parallelization of Multi-Zone Computational Fluid Dynamics Applications

In this paper we describe the parallelization of the multi-zone code versions of the NAS Parallel Benchmarks employing multi-level OpenMP parallelism. For our study we use the NanosCompiler, which supports nesting of OpenMP directives and provides clauses to control the grouping of threads, load balancing, and synchronization. We report the benchmark results, compare the timings with those of different hybrid parallelization paradigms and discuss OpenMP implementation issues which effect the performance of multi-level parallel applications.

Ayguade, Eduard↗

Parallel algorithms for mapping pipelined and parallel computations

Many computational problems in image processing, signal processing, and scientific computing are naturally structured for either pipelined or parallel computation. When mapping such problems onto a parallel architecture it is often necessary to aggregate an obvious problem decomposition. Even in this context the general mapping problem is known to be computationally intractable, but recent advances have been made in identifying classes of problems and architectures for which optimal solutions can be found in polynomial time. Among these, the mapping of pipelined or parallel computations onto linear array, shared memory, and host-satellite systems figures prominently. This paper extends that work first by showing how to improve existing serial mapping algorithms. These improvements have significantly lower time and space complexities: in one case a published O(nm sup 3) time algorithm for mapping m modules onto n processors is reduced to an O(nm log m) time complexity, and its space requirements reduced from O(nm sup 2) to O(m). Run time complexity is further reduced with parallel mapping algorithms based on these improvements, which run on the architecture for which they create the mappings.

Nicol, David M.↗

Performance limitations in parallel processor simulations

A jet-engine model is partitioned and simulated on a parallel processor system consisting of five 8086/8087 floating-point computers. The simulation uses Heun's integration method. A near-optimal parallel simulation (in the sense of minimum execution time) achieves speedup of only 2.13 and efficiency of 42.6 percent, in effect wasting 57.4 percent of the available processing power. A detailed analysis identifies and graphically demonstrates why the system fails to achieve ideal performance (viz., speedup of 5 and efficiency of 100 percent). Inherent characteristics of the problem equations and solution algorithm account for the loss of nearly half of the available processing power. Overheads associated with interprocessor communication and processor synchronization account for only a small fraction of the lost processing power. The effects of these and other factors which limit parallel processor performance are illustrated through real-time timing-analyzer tracers describing the run/idle status of the parallel processors during the simulation.

O'Grady, E. Pearse↗

A global-local finite element method suitable for parallel computations

A global-local finite element analysis procedure is developed based on the fast convergent nature of FEM in displacement. A special scheme is used to utilize the global displacement solution as boundary conditions for local regions of interest. In the local region, a refined mesh is used for further stress analysis. This global-local procedure can be easily programmed in parallel on MIMD multi-processor computers for significant time savings. A Sequent Balance 21000 system is used for demonstrating the parallel programming.

Sun, C. T.↗

Fast Parallel Computation Of Multibody Dynamics

Constraint-force algorithm fast, efficient, parallel-computation algorithm for solving forward dynamics problem of multibody system like robot arm or vehicle. Solves problem in minimum time proportional to log(N) by use of optimal number of processors proportional to N, where N is number of dynamical degrees of freedom: in this sense, constraint-force algorithm both time-optimal and processor-optimal parallel-processing algorithm.

Fijany, Amir↗

Methods for design and evaluation of integrated hardware/software systems for concurrent computation

Two testbed programming environments to support the evaluation of a large range of parallel architectures have been implemented under the program Parallel Implementation of Scientific Computing Environments (PISCES). The PISCES 1 environment was applied to two areas of aerospace interest: a sparse matrix iterative equation solver and a dynamic scene analysis system. Currently, the NICE/SPAR testbed system for structural analysis is being modified for parallel operation under PISCES 2; the PISCES 1 applications are also being adapted for PISCES 2. A new formal model of concurrent computation has been developed, based on the mathematical system known as H graph semantics together with a timed Petri net model of the parallel aspects of a system.

Pratt, Terrence W.↗

Technology and future ground processing systems

Land-observing satellites with multiple thematic mappers will produce data at rates of 100 to 300 Mbps. When coupled with a high daily scene production rate, these rates will require new approaches to ground processing. Consideration is given here to future downlink rates and data volumes, and requirements peculiar to the future user community are discussed. The advanced technologies required to attain an operational system in the years 1985-1990 are considered, together with advances foreseen in communications, mass storage, bulk memories, and data processing. Using advanced devices, a centralized data processing system capable of handling the 100 Mbps data rate is described. New approaches, among them a parallel pipelined calibration front-end, real-time browse image production, a high bandwidth optical disk archive, regional image broadcast and massively parallel product production, are considered. A distributed system capable of handling the 300 Mbps data rate is then described. Designs for a hub system and a regional processing center are presented.

Wood, B. J.↗

Cartesian Mesh Simulations for the Third AIAA Sonic Boom Prediction Workshop

Simulation results are presented for all cases from the Third AIAA Sonic Boom Prediction Workshop. An inviscid, embedded-boundary Cartesian-mesh flow solver is used in conjunction with adjoint-based mesh adaptation to compute nearfield pressure signatures. Specialized techniques are applied to maximize accuracy and minimize cost on Cartesian meshes. The Richardson-based error estimate highlights regions of the signatures most sensitive to mesh refinement. Timing results and coarse, medium, and fine mesh sizes for nearfield cases demonstrate that the parallel decomposition approach is efficient in both computational time and wall-clock. Pressure signals are propagated to the ground using an augmented Burgers’ equation solver to predict boom carpets. Ground signatures and loudness metrics are presented for a standard atmosphere as well as more realistic atmospheric profiles, which affect overall noise levels and can significantly widen the boom carpet. Mesh convergence studies show that high sampling frequencies, around 500 kHz, are required for propagation, and the sampling frequency increases at large off-track angles with longer acoustic ray paths and propagation times. The numerical methods yield accurate results for predicting low sonic boom signatures while being among the least computationally expensive of the workshop.

ARMD↗

Very fast motion planning for highly dexterous-articulated robots

Due to the inherent danger of space exploration, the need for greater use of teleoperated and autonomous robotic systems in space-based applications has long been apparent. Autonomous and semi-autonomous robotic devices have been proposed for carrying out routine functions associated with scientific experiments aboard the shuttle and space station. Finally, research into the use of such devices for planetary exploration continues. To accomplish their assigned tasks, all such autonomous and semi-autonomous devices will require the ability to move themselves through space without hitting themselves or the objects which surround them. In space it is important to execute the necessary motions correctly when they are first attempted because repositioning is expensive in terms of both time and resources (e.g., fuel). Finally, such devices will have to function in a variety of different environments. Given these constraints, a means for fast motion planning to insure the correct movement of robotic devices would be ideal. Unfortunately, motion planning algorithms are rarely used in practice because of their computational complexity. Fast methods have been developed for detecting imminent collisions, but the more general problem of motion planning remains computationally intractable. However, in this paper we show how the use of multicomputers and appropriate parallel algorithms can substantially reduce the time required to synthesize paths for dexterous articulated robots with a large number of joints. We have developed a parallel formulation of the Randomized Path Planner proposed by Barraquand and Latombe. We have shown that our parallel formulation is capable of formulating plans in a few seconds or less on various parallel architectures including: the nCUBE2 multicomputer with up to 1024 processors (nCUBE2 is a registered trademark of the nCUBE corporation), and a network of workstations.

Challou, Daniel J.↗

CLIPS meets the connection machine: Or how to create a parallel production system

Production systems usually present unacceptable run-times when faced with applications requiring tens of thousands to millions of facts. Many efforts have focused on the use of parallelism as a way to increase overall system performance. While these efforts have increased pattern matching and rule evaluation rates, they have only indirectly dealt with the problems faced by fact burdened applications. We have implemented PPS, a version of CLIPS running on the Connection Machine, to directly address the problems faced by these applications. This paper will describe our system, discuss its implementation, and present results.

Geyer, Steve↗

Two-Dimensional Sequential and Concurrent Finite Element Analysis of Unstiffened and Stiffened Aluminum and Composite Panels with Hole

The results of a detailed investigation of the distribution of stresses in aluminum and composite panels subjected to uniform end shortening are presented. The focus problem is a rectangular panel with two longitudinal stiffeners, and an inner stiffener discontinuous at a central hole in the panel. The influence of the stiffeners on the stresses is evaluated through a two-dimensional global finite element analysis in the absence or presence of the hole. Contrary to the physical feel, it is found that the maximum stresses from the glocal analysis for both stiffened aluminum and composite panels are greater than the corresponding stresses for the unstiffened panels. The inner discontinuous stiffener causes a greater increase in stresses than the reduction provided by the two outer stiffeners. A detailed layer-by-layer study of stresses around the hole is also presented for both unstiffened and stiffened composite panels. A parallel equation solver is used for the global system of equations since the computational time is far less than that using a sequential scheme. A parallel Choleski method with up to 16 processors is used on Flex/32 Multicomputer at NASA Langley Research Center. The parallel computing results are summarized and include the computational times, speedups, bandwidths, and their inter-relationships for the panel problems. It is found that the computational time for the Choleski method decreases with a decrease in bandwidth, and better speedups result as the bandwidth increases.

Razzaq, Zia↗

The role of analysis error in the convergence of reanalysis production streams in MERRA-2

Due to production time constraints, most reanalyses are produced in multiple parallel streams instead of a single continuous one. These streams cover separate segments of the reanalysis time period with short overlaps to allow reconstruction of the official record. A fundamental assumption justifying this approach is that the streams will be assimilating the same observations during the periods where they overlap, and so will eventually converge to a similar atmospheric state, making discontinuities at stream junctions negligible. This assumption is revisited in this work by examining the impact of analysis error on the differences between MERRA-2 overlapping streams in three historical periods. Comparison results are shown in terms of standard deviations of stream differences as well as the spectral decomposition of the variance of their differences. Residual differences were found at the end of each year of overlap, with larger values observed in the earlier segments of the presatellite era. By drawing parallels with analysis error statistics estimated from the GMAO OSSE system, these differences are shown to reflect the varying constraint of data with the varying observing network, and to further carry the imprint of errors that the data assimilation process is not able to mitigate. As such, they are unlikely to be reduced by longer spinup periods. The ability of data assimilation to ensure continuity in the parallel streams is put into question when the observing system coverage is inadequate or simply when the data assimilation system as a whole is suboptimal.

Amal El Akkraoui↗

Compositional changes, time and density variations in the magnetosphere associated with Birkeland currents and particle acceleration

Birkeland currents, parallel electric fields and plasma instabilities often occur together in time and space and play an important role in large scale plasma motions between the ionosphere and magnetosphere and along the magnetic field in the magnetosphere. The results of the plasma movements are large density and composition variations in the ionosphere and magnetosphere. Observations from ISIS-2 at 1400 km altitude show large densities with heavy ions dominating in regions with upward Birkeland currents, and low densities and light ions in regions with downward currents. Observations from ISEE-1 in field aligned current regions at 10,000 to 15,000 km altitude show transverse heating of protons and oxygen ions to 250 eV. Because of the different mobility of the protons and oxygen ions the proton flow is important in the beginning of the events but later the outflow becomes almost pure oxygen. Similarly ISEE-1 observations of outgoing field ion beams at 10,000 to 15,000 km altitude show time variations in the H+/O+ ratios and a dominance of O+ later in the events.

Ungstrup, E.↗

Execution time support for scientific programs on distributed memory machines

Optimizations are considered that are required for efficient execution of code segments that consists of loops over distributed data structures. The PARTI (Parallel Automated Runtime Toolkit at ICASE) execution time primitives are designed to carry out these optimizations and can be used to implement a wide range of scientific algorithms on distributed memory machines. These primitives allow the user to control array mappings in a way that gives an appearance of shared memory. Computations can be based on a global index set. Primitives are used to carry out gather and scatter operations on distributed arrays. Communications patterns are derived at runtime, and the appropriate send and receive messages are automatically generated.

Berryman, Harry↗

Optimal mapping of neural-network learning on message-passing multicomputers

A minimization of learning-algorithm completion time is sought in the present optimal-mapping study of the learning process in multilayer feed-forward artificial neural networks (ANNs) for message-passing multicomputers. A novel approximation algorithm for mappings of this kind is derived from observations of the dominance of a parallel ANN algorithm over its communication time. Attention is given to both static and dynamic mapping schemes for systems with static and dynamic background workloads, as well as to experimental results obtained for simulated mappings on multicomputers with dynamic background workloads.

Chu, Lon-Chan↗

Application of the hypercube parallel processor to a large-scale moment method code

The applicability of a parallel computing architecture to the solution of a large-scale moment-method code is investigated. Specifically, the NEC (Numerical Electromagnetics Code) method-of-moments scattering program is implemented on a hypercube parallel processor. The accuracy and the increase in the speed of execution on this parallel architecture are demonstrated. The results show a very large reduction in execution time for large problems. The great potential of this parallel processor is shown for interactive solution of large NEC problems as well as other moment-method techniques such as the finite-element method.

Manshadi, Farzin↗

Power-MOSFET Voltage Regulator

Ninety-six parallel MOSFET devices with two-stage feedback circuit form a high-current dc voltage regulator that also acts as fully-on solid-state switch when fuel-cell out-put falls below regulated voltage. Ripple voltage is less than 20 mV, transient recovery time is less than 50 ms. Parallel MOSFET's act as high-current dc regulator and switch. Regulator can be used wherever large direct currents must be controlled. Can be applied to inverters, industrial furnaces photovoltaic solar generators, dc motors, and electric autos.

Miller, W. N.↗