Distributed Finite-Element Analysis on Network of Workstations—Algorithms

Abstract

We present distributed algorithms for the finite-element (FE) analysis of large structures on a loosely coupled multicomputer such as a cluster of inexpensive workstations. The focus is on the development of a coarse-grained preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) solver based on the element-by-element approach to solve the resulting system of linear equations. To account for the slow communication speed of the ethernet network connecting workstations, techniques such as redundant computations to eliminate communication, efficient data distribution, and algorithmic restructuring to reduce communication frequency have been developed to coarsen task granularity. We present a data distribution and data movement strategy based on set theory. Due to the general nature of the data distribution scheme, the algorithms are versatile and can be applied to the analysis of unstructured FE domains consisting of a combination of various types of elements.