An Implementation of the LPAR Parallel Programming Model for Scientific Computations.
Scott R. Kohn, Scott B. Baden · 1993
LPAR is a portable coarse-grain parallel programming model for non-uniform structured scientific applications running on MIMD message passing architectures. Non-uniform applications, which include N-body methods and adaptive multilevel mesh methods, rely on complex dynamic data structures and are particularly difficult to implement on parallel computers. This paper introduces the LPAR programming abstractions and discusses some important implementation issues. We also present performance results on the Intel iPSC/860 and nCUBE/2 for a vortex dynamics application developed using LPAR. 1 Introduction Recent developments in numerical methods for solving partial differential equations have emphasized elaborate, dynamic, non-uniform data structures. These methods attempt to place computational effort and accuracy in regions of high error or rapidly changing solutions. They are particularly attractive for solving local, non-uniform, time-dependent problems. Typical applications include fast...