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 we apply the parallel cellular automata modeling environment (P-CAM) to a parallel finite element simulation. P-CAM adopts a particle-based framework in which we can instantiate a variety of simulation problems. However, it can also be used to monitor and steer a parallel application outside this framework. A meta-model of the finite element grid is used within the framework 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 detonating under a water surface.