A distributed implementation of an adaptive finite element method for fluid problems

The potential for using a network of workstations for solving the incompres sible Navier-Stokes equations using the finite element method is investigat ed. A programming paradigm suitable for a heterogeneous distributed worksta tion environment is presented and compared to the traditional paradigm empl oyed for distributed memory parallel computers. In particular, the issues o f load balancing and fault recovery are explored. Extension of the programm ing paradigms to include mesh adaptivity is discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.