A framework for dynamic load balancing: A case study on explosive containment simulation

Methods that can circumvent the implementation of parallelization steps are usually warmly welcomed by parallel simulation architects. In this paper w e apply the parallel cellular automata modeling environment (P-CAM) to a pa rallel finite element simulation. P-CAM adopts a particle-based framework i n which we can instantiate a variety of simulation problems. However, it ca n also be used to monitor and steer a parallel application outside this fra mework. A meta-model of the finite element grid is used within the framewor k to dynamically repartition the grid during the simulation. Based on this meta model a dynamic load balancing process, implemented in P-CAM, decides on a possible local repartitioning of the mesh. The system is successfully used to simulate highly dynamic transient behavior of an explosive detonati ng under a water surface. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.