High Performance Computing CFRD -- Final Technial Report
Hope Forsmann · 2003
The Bechtel Waste Treatment Project (WTP), located in Richland, WA, is comprised of many processes containing complex physics. Accurate analyses of the underlying physics of these processes is needed to reduce the amount of added costs during and after construction that are due to unknown process behavior. The WTP will have tight operating margins in order to complete the treatment of the waste on schedule. The combination of tight operating constraints coupled with complex physical processes requires analysis methods that are more accurate than traditional approaches. This study is focused specifically on multidimensional computer aided solutions. There are many skills and tools required to solve engineering problems. Many physical processes are governed by nonlinear partial differential equations. These governing equations have few, if any, closed form solutions. Past and present solution methods require assumptions to reduce these equations to solvable forms. Computational methods take the governing equations and solve them directly on a computational grid. This ability to approach the equations in their exact form reduces the number of assumptions that must be made. This approach increases the accuracy of the solution and its applicability to the problem at hand. Recent advances in computer technology have allowed computer simulations to become an essential tool for problem solving. In order to perform computer simulations as quickly and accurately as possible, both hardware and software must be evaluated. With regards to hardware, the average consumer personal computers (PCs) are not configured for optimal scientific use. Only a few vendors create high performance computers to satisfy engineering needs. Software must be optimized for quick and accurate execution. Operating systems must utilize the hardware efficiently while supplying the software with seamless access to the computer’s resources. From the perspective of Bechtel Corporation and the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL), it is crucial to know the capabilities of a software package’s SMP (shared memory processor) version or cluster (distributed memory) version. Of utmost importance is knowledge of a software package’s cost and implementation challenges. Additionally, it is important to determine the hardware performance of a computing workstation. The level of performance of software is inextricably tied to the computer hardware upon which it is run. Bechtel can do more for its clients in the same amount of time and/or solve more complex problems if computer workstations and associated software are optimized. As a Bechtel Management and Operations Facility, INEEL engineers and scientists find solutions to problems important to Bechtel. Both INEEL engineers and managers must be informed and educated in high performance computing (HPC) techniques and issues to better accomplish their research.