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At least 145 records · Page 8

Multiple grid problems on concurrent-processing computers

Three computer codes were studied which make use of concurrent processing computer architectures in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The three parallel codes were tested on a two processor multiple-instruction/multiple-data (MIMD) facility at NASA Ames Research Center, and are suggested for efficient parallel computations. The first code is a well-known program which makes use of the Beam and Warming, implicit, approximate factored algorithm. This study demonstrates the parallelism found in a well-known scheme and it achieved speedups exceeding 1.9 on the two processor MIMD test facility. The second code studied made use of an embedded grid scheme which is used to solve problems having complex geometries. The particular application for this study considered an airfoil/flap geometry in an incompressible flow. The scheme eliminates some of the inherent difficulties found in adapting approximate factorization techniques onto MIMD machines and allows the use of chaotic relaxation and asynchronous iteration techniques. The third code studied is an application of overset grids to a supersonic blunt body problem. The code addresses the difficulties encountered when using embedded grids on a compressible, and therefore nonlinear, problem. The complex numerical boundary system associated with overset grids is discussed and several boundary schemes are suggested. A boundary scheme based on the method of characteristics achieved the best results.

Eberhardt, D. S.↗

On the structure of parallelism in a highly concurrent PDE solver

A parallel multigrid algorithm for solving elliptic partial differential equations is developed and evaluated. A V-cycle multigrid method is altered to increase the degree of parallelism. A numerical analysis of the resulting concurrent-iteration multigrid algorithm is performed; its architectural implications are considered; highly parallel systems without shared memory are examined (including mesh-connected arrays, mesh-shuffle-connected systems, permutation networks, and direct VLSI embeddings); and the results of numerical experiments are presented in tables and graphs.

Gannon, D.↗

Numerical algorithms for finite element computations on concurrent processors

The work of several graduate students which relate to the NASA grant is briefly summarized. One student has worked on a detailed analysis of the so-called ijk forms of Gaussian elemination and Cholesky factorization on concurrent processors. Another student has worked on the vectorization of the incomplete Cholesky conjugate method on the CYBER 205. Two more students implemented various versions of Gaussian elimination and Cholesky factorization on the FLEX/32.

Ortega, J. M.↗

Concurrent Cholesky factorization of positive definite banded Hermitian matrices

First, the Cholesky factorization is extended to cover uniformly partitioned banded positive definite matrices of rank n which may be real symmetric or Hermitian. Then, two stratagems are given for the use of the algorithm in concurrent machines where the number of processing elements is less than required to factor the matrix in as few serial steps as possible, and where uniformly high efficiency is expected from all processing elements. Expressions are given for the efficiency factor e appearing in the speed-up expression q = eN, and these are specialized for the N node hypercube machine as a function of partition size s, the number N of processing elements of the hypercube machine, and the cost mu of interelement transmission relative to computation. It is shown that the efficiency factor e is inversely proportional to mu/s, and that e is almost independent of N when N is large and mu/s = 0. The task is completed in n/s serial steps with no limit on n. The half bandwidth b of the matrix is 2 Ns.

Utku, S.↗

Petri net model for analysis of concurrently processed complex algorithms

This paper presents a Petri-net model suitable for analyzing the concurrent processing of computationally complex algorithms. The decomposed operations are to be processed in a multiple processor, data driven architecture. Of particular interest is the application of the model to both the description of the data/control flow of a particular algorithm, and to the general specification of the data driven architecture. A candidate architecture is also presented.

Stoughton, John W.↗

Hesitations in continuous tracking induced by a concurrent discrete task

Subjects performed a continuous visually-guided pursuit tracking task with the right hand. From time to time (intervals averaging 30 sec) an auditory tone appeared signaling the subjects to perform a discrete response with the left hand. The presence of this tone was frequently associated with a hesitation in right-hand tracking which lasted 1/3 sec or longer. The rate of occurrence of these hesitations was about the same when the left-hand response involved a choice between competing responses as when the left hand responded in a predetermined direction. Hesitations occurred for three different mechanical tracking manipulanda using different controlling muscles, and appeared to be due to freezing rather than to relaxation of muscular action. The rate of occurrence of hesitations declined with practice, and this improvement in right-hand performance was accompanied by an improvement in performance of the concurrent left-hand response. The presence of hesitations, and their reduction with practice, can be interpreted within several viewpoints.

Klapp, Stuart T.↗

Strategies for concurrent processing of complex algorithms in data driven architectures

The results of ongoing research directed at developing a graph theoretical model for describing data and control flow associated with the execution of large grained algorithms in a spatial distributed computer environment is presented. This model is identified by the acronym ATAMM (Algorithm/Architecture Mapping Model). The purpose of such a model is to provide a basis for establishing rules for relating an algorithm to its execution in a multiprocessor environment. Specifications derived from the model lead directly to the description of a data flow architecture which is a consequence of the inherent behavior of the data and control flow described by the model. The purpose of the ATAMM based architecture is to optimize computational concurrency in the multiprocessor environment and to provide an analytical basis for performance evaluation. The ATAMM model and architecture specifications are demonstrated on a prototype system for concept validation.

Stoughton, John W.↗

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.↗

Modeling and optimum time performance for concurrent processing

The development of a new graph theoretic model for describing the relation between a decomposed algorithm and its execution in a data flow environment is presented. Called ATAMM, the model consists of a set of Petri net marked graphs useful for representing decision-free algorithms having large-grained, computationally complex primitive operations. Performance time measures which determine computing speed and throughput capacity are defined, and the ATAMM model is used to develop lower bounds for these times. A concurrent processing operating strategy for achieving optimum time performance is presented and illustrated by example.

Mielke, Roland R.↗

Accuracy of a class of concurrent algorithms for transient finite element analysis

The accuracy of a new class of concurrent procedures for transient finite element analysis is examined. A phase error analysis is carried out which shows that wave retardation leading to unacceptable loss of accuracy may occur if a Courant condition based on the dimensions of the subdomains is violated. Numerical tests suggest that this Courant condition is conservative for typical structural applications and may lead to a marked increase in accuracy as the number of subdomains is increased. Theoretical speed-up ratios are derived which suggest that the algorithms under consideration can be expected to exhibit a performance superior to that of globally implicit methods when implemented on parallel machines.

Ortiz, Michael↗

Strategies for concurrent processing of complex algorithms in data driven architectures

The purpose is to document research to develop strategies for concurrent processing of complex algorithms in data driven architectures. The problem domain consists of decision-free algorithms having large-grained, computationally complex primitive operations. Such are often found in signal processing and control applications. The anticipated multiprocessor environment is a data flow architecture containing between two and twenty computing elements. Each computing element is a processor having local program memory, and which communicates with a common global data memory. A new graph theoretic model called ATAMM which establishes rules for relating a decomposed algorithm to its execution in a data flow architecture is presented. The ATAMM model is used to determine strategies to achieve optimum time performance and to develop a system diagnostic software tool. In addition, preliminary work on a new multiprocessor operating system based on the ATAMM specifications is described.

Stoughton, John W.↗

Concurrent Finite-Element Analysis On Hypercube Computers

Improved approach to execution of finite-element codes on hypercube and similar concurrent data processors increases efficiency of computation for many different types of problems. Based on flexible general model of computation on, and communication among, large-node parallel processors. Hybrid combining direct methods within subdomains and preconditioned-conjugate-gradient (PCG) iteration on remaining boundary system to obtain method of solution both robust and efficient. Preserves general structure and function of conventional sequential finite-element-method software. Generalized to both distributed- and shared-memory multicomputers, eliminating degree of machine specificity restricting general usefulness.

Lyzenga, G. A.↗

Software For Drawing Design Details Concurrently

Software system containing five computer-aided-design programs enables more than one designer to work on same part or assembly at same time. Reduces time necessary to produce design by implementing concept of parallel or concurrent detailing, in which all detail drawings documenting three-dimensional model of part or assembly produced simultaneously, rather than sequentially. Keeps various detail drawings consistent with each other and with overall design by distributing changes in each detail to all other affected details.

Crosby, Dewey C., III↗

Concurrent Image Processing Executive (CIPE). Volume 3: User's guide

CIPE (the Concurrent Image Processing Executive) is both an executive which organizes the parameter inputs for hypercube applications and an environment which provides temporary data workspace and simple real-time function definition facilities for image analysis. CIPE provides two types of user interface. The Command Line Interface (CLI) provides a simple command-driven environment allowing interactive function definition and evaluation of algebraic expressions. The menu interface employs a hierarchical screen-oriented menu system where the user is led through a menu tree to any specific application and then given a formatted panel screen for parameter entry. How to initialize the system through the setup function, how to read data into CIPE symbols, how to manipulate and display data through the use of executive functions, and how to run an application in either user interface mode, are described.

Lee, Meemong↗

A general concurrent algorithm for plasma particle-in-cell simulation codes

The general concurrent particle-in-cell (GCPIC) algorithm has been used to implement an electrostatic particle-in-cell code on a 32-node hypercube parallel computer. The GCPIC algorithm decomposes the PIC code by dividing the particle simulation physical domain into subdomains that are equal in number to the number of processors; all subdomains will accordingly possess approximately equal numbers of particles. The portion of the code which updates particle positions and velocities is nearly 100 percent efficient when the number of particles increases linearly with that of hypercube processors.

Liewer, Paulett C.↗

Efficiency of group implicit concurrent algorithms for transient finite element analysis

The performance of group implicit algorithms is assessed on actual concurrent computers. It is shown that, as the number of subdomains is increased, performance enhancements are derived from two sources: the increased parallelism in the computations; and a reduction in equation solving effort. Moreover, these two performance enhancements are synergistic, in the sense that the corresponding speed-ups are multiplied, rather than merely added. Simulations on a 32-node hypercube are presented for which the interprocessor communications efficiencies obtained are consistently in excess of 90 percent.

Ortiz, M.↗

The composition of concurrent programs

A notation is presented for concurrent programs called program composition notation (PCN). The notation is being implemented at Caltech on multicomputers (a network of computers that communicate by sending and receiving messages). A fragment of this notation has been implemented on a data-parallel computer, the Connection Machine. The central ideas underlying PCN are discussed.

Chandy, K. Mani↗

Concurrency and discrete event control

Much of discrete event control theory has been developed within the framework of automata and formal languages. An alternative approach inspired by the theories of process-algebra as developed in the computer science literature is presented. The framework, which rests on a new formalism of concurrency, can adequately handle nondeterminism and can be used for analysis of a wide range of discrete event phenomena.

Heymann, Michael↗