Parallel Computing Solution of Coupled Flow Processes in Soil

Abstract

A new parallel computing solution of problems of coupled flows in soils is presented. Such phenomena occur when more than one transport process exists below ground as is the case, for example, for coupled chemical, electrical, heat, or moisture flow. A numerical solution of the governing differential equations is achieved via a new parallel computing algorithm, programmed using new parallel software and operated on new parallel hardware. An attempt is made to exploit a high degree of parallelism based on the use of a finite difference solution method. The specific problem considered in detail in the paper, as an example of one particular case that may be addressed, is that of coupled heat and moisture transfer in unsaturated soil. The validity of the results achieved are first discussed in relation to physically observed behavior. Qualitatively and quantitatively correct results are shown to have been obtained. The performance of the approach as an efficient parallel computing solution is then assessed. The results are found to be very encouraging.