Dynamic load-balancing of finite element applications with the DRAMA library

The DRAMA library, developed within the European Commission funded (ESPRIT) project DRAMA, supports dynamic load-balancing for parallel (message-passi ng) mesh-based applications. The target applications are those with dynamic and solution-adaptive features. The focus within the DRAMA project was on finite element simulation codes for structural mechanics. An introduction t o the DRAMA library will illustrate that the very general cost model and th e interface designed specifically for application requirements provide simp lified and effective access to a range of parallel partitioners. The main b ody of the paper will demonstrate the ability to provide dynamic load-balan cing for parallel FEM problems that include: adaptive meshing, re-meshing, the need for multi-phase partitioning. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All r ights reserved.