June 2014 Summaries

The discussion highlights the role of independent software vendors in optimizing parallel performance scalability for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) models, emphasizing software techniques over hardware. Convergent Science's CONVERGE CFD code employs Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) to enhance solution accuracy and reduce computational costs, particularly in dynamic environments like internal combustion engines. AMR's effectiveness is supported by a load-balancing algorithm that prevents computational cores from idling, with customization options available for users. Meanwhile, LS-DYNA, a non-linear solver by Livermore Software Technology Corporation, addresses load imbalances in crash-test simulations through customizable domain decomposition, allowing users to distribute computational loads efficiently across cores. Both CONVERGE and LS-DYNA are accessible via Rescale, providing on-demand licensing and facilitating user-defined settings to optimize performance in complex simulations.

Rescale, Inc. and AVL List GmbH have announced a technology partnership enabling AVL FIRE® users to leverage the Rescale simulation platform for cloud-based, on-demand computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. This collaboration allows AVL FIRE® users to access extensive high-performance computing resources without downloads or upfront costs, significantly reducing simulation runtimes and enhancing workflow capabilities. Through Rescale's platform, users benefit from an intuitive interface and design optimization tools, while maintaining high security standards. This partnership aims to support innovative engineering solutions in fields such as automotive and process engineering by providing scalable solutions for complex simulations involving sprays, combustion, heat transfer, and multi-phase flows. Rescale's platform is trusted by Fortune 500 companies and aligns with AVL's commitment to research and development efficiency.

Rescale offers a cloud-based platform designed to streamline the process of running complex computer simulations for engineers and scientists by providing high-performance computing resources that are often unavailable in-house. The platform's user interface improvements aim to enhance usability, making it easier and faster for users to conduct simulations, regardless of their technical expertise. Key features of the updated UI include job visualizations to help users navigate and set up simulations efficiently, core-to-instance mapping for better parallelization without the need for conversion charts, and flexible on-demand licensing options that allow users to pay only for the software hours they use. These enhancements are intended to lower the entry barriers for cloud-based simulations and save time for existing users, ultimately helping Rescale's clientele to achieve their computational goals more effectively.