Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “parallelize algorithm computation”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9

Parallel processing in finite element structural analysis

A brief review is made of the fundamental concepts and basic issues of parallel processing. Discussion focuses on parallel numerical algorithms, performance evaluation of machines and algorithms, and parallelism in finite element computations. A computational strategy is proposed for maximizing the degree of parallelism at different levels of the finite element analysis process including: 1) formulation level (through the use of mixed finite element models); 2) analysis level (through additive decomposition of the different arrays in the governing equations into the contributions to a symmetrized response plus correction terms); 3) numerical algorithm level (through the use of operator splitting techniques and application of iterative processes); and 4) implementation level (through the effective combination of vectorization, multitasking and microtasking, whenever available).

Noor, Ahmed K.↗

Introduction of Parallel GPGPU Acceleration Algorithms for the Solution of Radiative Transfer

General-purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU) is a recent technique that allows the parallel graphics processing unit (GPU) to accelerate calculations performed sequentially by the central processing unit (CPU). To introduce GPGPU to radiative transfer, the Gauss-Seidel solution of the well-known expressions for 1-D and 3-D homogeneous, isotropic media is selected as a test case. Different algorithms are introduced to balance memory and GPU-CPU communication, critical aspects of GPGPU. Results show that speed-ups of one to two orders of magnitude are obtained when compared to sequential solutions. The underlying value of GPGPU is its potential extension in radiative solvers (e.g., Monte Carlo, discrete ordinates) at a minimal learning curve.

Godoy, William F.↗

Linear Static Structural and Vibration Analysis on High-Performance Computers

Parallel computers offer the opportunity to significantly reduce the computation time necessary to analyze large-scale aerospace structures. This paper presents algorithms developed for and implemented on a massively-parallel computers hereafter referred to as Scalable High Performance Computers (SHPC) for the most computationally intensive tasks involved in structural analysis, namely, generation and assembly of system matrices, solution of systems of equations and calculation of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Results on SHPC are presented for large-scale structural problems (i.e. Models of high speed civil transport). The goal of this research is to develop new efficient technique which extend structural analysis to SHPC and make large-scale structural analyses tractable.

Baddourah, Majdi↗

Parallel algorithms for placement and routing in VLSI design

The computational requirements for high quality synthesis, analysis, and verification of very large scale integration (VLSI) designs have rapidly increased with the fast growing complexity of these designs. Research in the past has focused on the development of heuristic algorithms, special purpose hardware accelerators, or parallel algorithms for the numerous design tasks to decrease the time required for solution. Two new parallel algorithms are proposed for two VLSI synthesis tasks, standard cell placement and global routing. The first algorithm, a parallel algorithm for global routing, uses hierarchical techniques to decompose the routing problem into independent routing subproblems that are solved in parallel. Results are then presented which compare the routing quality to the results of other published global routers and which evaluate the speedups attained. The second algorithm, a parallel algorithm for cell placement and global routing, hierarchically integrates a quadrisection placement algorithm, a bisection placement algorithm, and the previous global routing algorithm. Unique partitioning techniques are used to decompose the various stages of the algorithm into independent tasks which can be evaluated in parallel. Finally, results are presented which evaluate the various algorithm alternatives and compare the algorithm performance to other placement programs. Measurements are presented on the parallel speedups available.

Brouwer, Randall Jay↗

Antenna analysis using neural networks

Conventional computing schemes have long been used to analyze problems in electromagnetics (EM). The vast majority of EM applications require computationally intensive algorithms involving numerical integration and solutions to large systems of equations. The feasibility of using neural network computing algorithms for antenna analysis is investigated. The ultimate goal is to use a trained neural network algorithm to reduce the computational demands of existing reflector surface error compensation techniques. Neural networks are computational algorithms based on neurobiological systems. Neural nets consist of massively parallel interconnected nonlinear computational elements. They are often employed in pattern recognition and image processing problems. Recently, neural network analysis has been applied in the electromagnetics area for the design of frequency selective surfaces and beam forming networks. The backpropagation training algorithm was employed to simulate classical antenna array synthesis techniques. The Woodward-Lawson (W-L) and Dolph-Chebyshev (D-C) array pattern synthesis techniques were used to train the neural network. The inputs to the network were samples of the desired synthesis pattern. The outputs are the array element excitations required to synthesize the desired pattern. Once trained, the network is used to simulate the W-L or D-C techniques. Various sector patterns and cosecant-type patterns (27 total) generated using W-L synthesis were used to train the network. Desired pattern samples were then fed to the neural network. The outputs of the network were the simulated W-L excitations. A 20 element linear array was used. There were 41 input pattern samples with 40 output excitations (20 real parts, 20 imaginary). A comparison between the simulated and actual W-L techniques is shown for a triangular-shaped pattern. Dolph-Chebyshev is a different class of synthesis technique in that D-C is used for side lobe control as opposed to pattern shaping. The interesting thing about D-C synthesis is that the side lobes have the same amplitude. Five-element arrays were used. Again, 41 pattern samples were used for the input. Nine actual D-C patterns ranging from -10 dB to -30 dB side lobe levels were used to train the network. A comparison between simulated and actual D-C techniques for a pattern with -22 dB side lobe level is shown. The goal for this research was to evaluate the performance of neural network computing with antennas. Future applications will employ the backpropagation training algorithm to drastically reduce the computational complexity involved in performing EM compensation for surface errors in large space reflector antennas.

Smith, William T.↗

Parallel CE/SE Computations via Domain Decomposition

This paper describes the parallelization strategy and achieved parallel efficiency of an explicit time-marching algorithm for solving conservation laws. The Space-Time Conservation Element and Solution Element (CE/SE) algorithm for solving the 2D and 3D Euler equations is parallelized with the aid of domain decomposition. The parallel efficiency of the resultant algorithm on a Silicon Graphics Origin 2000 parallel computer is checked.

Himansu, Ananda↗

Reordering computations for parallel execution

The computations are reordered in the SOR algorithm to maintain the same asymptotic rate of convergence as the rowwise ordering to obtain parallelism at different levels. A parallel program is written to illustrate these ideas and actual machines for implementation of this program are discussed.

Adams, L.↗

Parallel adaptive mesh refinement within the PUMAA3D Project

To enable the solution of large-scale applications on distributed memory architectures, we are designing and implementing parallel algorithms for the fundamental tasks of unstructured mesh computation. In this paper, we discuss efficient algorithms developed for two of these tasks: parallel adaptive mesh refinement and mesh partitioning. The algorithms are discussed in the context of two-dimensional finite element solution on triangular meshes, but are suitable for use with a variety of element types and with h- or p-refinement. Results demonstrating the scalability and efficiency of the refinement algorithm and the quality of the mesh partitioning are presented for several test problems on the Intel DELTA.

Freitag, Lori↗

Where are the parallel algorithms?

Four paradigms that can be useful in developing parallel algorithms are discussed. These include computational complexity analysis, changing the order of computation, asynchronous computation, and divide and conquer. Each is illustrated with an example from scientific computation, and it is shown that computational complexity must be used with great care or an inefficient algorithm may be selected.

Voigt, R. G.↗

A spectral multi-domain technique with application to generalized curvilinear coordinates

Spectral collocation methods have proven to be efficient discretization schemes for many aerodynamic and fluid mechanic problems. The high order accuracy and resolution shown by these methods allows one to obtain engineering accuracy solutions on coarse meshes, or alternatively, to obtain solutions with very small error. One drawback to these techniques was the requirement that a complicated physical domain must map into a simple computational domain for discretization. This mapping must be smooth if the high order accuracy and expontential convergence rates associated with spectral methods are to be preserved. Additionally even smooth stretching transformations can decrease the accuracy of a spectral method, if the stretching is severe. A further difficulty with spectral methods was in their implementation on parallel processing computers, where efficient spectral algorithms were lacking. The above restrictions are overcome by splitting the domain into regions, each of which preserve the advantages of spectral collocation, and allow the ratio of the mesh spacing between regions to be several orders of magnitude higher than allowable in a single domain. Such stretchings would be required to resolve the thin viscous region in an external aerodynamic problem. Adjoining regions are interfaced by enforcing a global flux balance which preserves high-order continuity of the solution, regardless of the type of the equations being solved.

Macaraeg, M. G.↗

Computational Controls Workstation: Algorithms and hardware

The Computational Controls Workstation provides an integrated environment for the modeling, simulation, and analysis of Space Station dynamics and control. Using highly efficient computational algorithms combined with a fast parallel processing architecture, the workstation makes real-time simulation of flexible body models of the Space Station possible. A consistent, user-friendly interface and state-of-the-art post-processing options are combined with powerful analysis tools and model databases to provide users with a complete environment for Space Station dynamics and control analysis. The software tools available include a solid modeler, graphical data entry tool, O(n) algorithm-based multi-flexible body simulation, and 2D/3D post-processors. This paper describes the architecture of the workstation while a companion paper describes performance and user perspectives.

Venugopal, R.↗

Development of iterative techniques for the solution of unsteady compressible viscous flows

The work done under this project was documented in detail as the Ph. D. dissertation of Dr. Duane Hixon. The objectives of the research project were evaluation of the generalized minimum residual method (GMRES) as a tool for accelerating 2-D and 3-D unsteady flows and evaluation of the suitability of the GMRES algorithm for unsteady flows, computed on parallel computer architectures.

Sankar, Lakshmi↗

Scheduling Earth Observing Fleets Using Evolutionary Algorithms: Problem Description and Approach

We describe work in progress concerning multi-instrument, multi-satellite scheduling. Most, although not all, Earth observing instruments currently in orbit are unique. In the relatively near future, however, we expect to see fleets of Earth observing spacecraft, many carrying nearly identical instruments. This presents a substantially new scheduling challenge. Inspired by successful commercial applications of evolutionary algorithms in scheduling domains, this paper presents work in progress regarding the use of evolutionary algorithms to solve a set of Earth observing related model problems. Both the model problems and the software are described. Since the larger problems will require substantial computation and evolutionary algorithms are embarrassingly parallel, we discuss our parallelization techniques using dedicated and cycle-scavenged workstations.

Globus, Al↗

The IRAS Galaxy Atlas (IGA)

In 1993 we proposed a project to NASA having the goal of producing a new infrared map of our Galaxy. In particular, we proposed to reprocess the IRAS data taken in the early 1980's using modern image processing algorithms and the large Intel parallel computers of the Center for Advanced Computing Research, (at that time called the Caltech Concurrent Supercomputing Facilities - CCSF). The rationale was simple: what took approximately 100 days on a typical workstation would take less than a day on the multi-processor parallel computers, thus making a high-resolution infrared atlas of the Galaxy feasible.

Prince, Thomas A.↗

Geometric modeling for computer aided design

Over the past several years, it has been the primary goal of this grant to design and implement software to be used in the conceptual design of aerospace vehicles. The work carried out under this grant was performed jointly with members of the Vehicle Analysis Branch (VAB) of NASA LaRC, Computer Sciences Corp., and Vigyan Corp. This has resulted in the development of several packages and design studies. Primary among these are the interactive geometric modeling tool, the Solid Modeling Aerospace Research Tool (smart), and the integration and execution tools provided by the Environment for Application Software Integration and Execution (EASIE). In addition, it is the purpose of the personnel of this grant to provide consultation in the areas of structural design, algorithm development, and software development and implementation, particularly in the areas of computer aided design, geometric surface representation, and parallel algorithms.

Schwing, James L.↗

Optimal parallel algorithms for problems modeled by a family of intervals

A family of intervals on the real line provides a natural model for a vast number of scheduling and VLSI problems. Recently, a number of parallel algorithms to solve a variety of practical problems on such a family of intervals have been proposed in the literature. Computational tools are developed, and it is shown how they can be used for the purpose of devising cost-optimal parallel algorithms for a number of interval-related problems including finding a largest subset of pairwise nonoverlapping intervals, a minimum dominating subset of intervals, along with algorithms to compute the shortest path between a pair of intervals and, based on the shortest path, a parallel algorithm to find the center of the family of intervals. More precisely, with an arbitrary family of n intervals as input, all algorithms run in O(log n) time using O(n) processors in the EREW-PRAM model of computation.

Olariu, Stephan↗

Inventory estimation on the massively parallel processor

This paper describes algorithms for efficiently computing inventory estimates from satellite based images. The algorithms incorporate a one dimensional feature extraction which optimizes the pairwise sum of Fisher distances. Biases are eliminated with a premultiplication by the inverse of the analytically derived error matrix. The technique is demonstrated with a numerical example using statistics obtained from an actual Landsat scene. Attention was given to implementation of the Massively Parallel processor (MPP). A timing analysis demonstrates that the inventory estimation can be performed an order of magnitude faster on the MPP than on a conventional serial machine.

Argentiero, P. D.↗