A Python extension for the massively parallel multiphysics simulation framework waLBerla

Bauer M, Schornbaum F, Godenschwager C, Markl M, Anderl D, Köstler H, Rüde U (2016)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Letter

Publication year: 2016

Journal

Book Volume: 31

Pages Range: 529-542

Journal Issue: 6

URI: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17445760.2015.1118478

DOI: 10.1080/17445760.2015.1118478

Abstract

We present a Python extension to the massively parallel HPC simulation
toolkit WALBERLA. WA LBERLA is a framework for stencil based algorithms
operating on block-structured grids, with the main application field being
fluid simulations in complex geometries using the lattice Boltzmann
method. Careful performance engineering results in excellent node
performance and good scalability to over 400,000 cores. To increase
the usability and flexibility of the framework, a Python interface was
developed. Python extensions are used at all stages of the simulation
pipeline: they simplify and automate scenario setup, evaluation, and
plotting. We show how our Python interface outperforms the existing
text-file-based configuration mechanism, providing features like automatic
nondimensionalization of physical quantities and handling of complex
parameter dependencies. Furthermore, Python is used to process and
evaluate results while the simulation is running, leading to smaller output
files and the possibility to adjust parameters dependent on the current
simulation state. C++ data structures are exported such that a seamless
interfacing to other numerical Python libraries is possible. The expressive
power of Python and the performance of C++ make development of
efficient code with low time effort possible.

Authors with CRIS profile

Related research project(s)

How to cite

APA:

Bauer, M., Schornbaum, F., Godenschwager, C., Markl, M., Anderl, D., Köstler, H., & Rüde, U. (2016). A Python extension for the massively parallel multiphysics simulation framework waLBerla. International Journal of Parallel, Emergent and Distributed Systems, 31(6), 529-542. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17445760.2015.1118478

MLA:

Bauer, Martin, et al. "A Python extension for the massively parallel multiphysics simulation framework waLBerla." International Journal of Parallel, Emergent and Distributed Systems 31.6 (2016): 529-542.

BibTeX: Download