A task-based parallelism and vectorized approach to 3D Method of Characteristics (MOC) reactor simulation for high performance computing architectures
Author(s)
He, Tim; Siegel, Andrew R.; Tramm, John Robert; Gunow, Geoffrey Alexander; Smith, Kord S.; Forget, Benoit Robert Yves; ... Show more Show less
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In this study we present and analyze a formulation of the 3D Method of Characteristics (MOC) technique applied to the simulation of full core nuclear reactors. Key features of the algorithm include a task-based parallelism model that allows independent MOC tracks to be assigned to threads dynamically, ensuring load balancing, and a wide vectorizable inner loop that takes advantage of modern SIMD computer architectures. The algorithm is implemented in a set of highly optimized proxy applications in order to investigate its performance characteristics on CPU, GPU, and Intel Xeon Phi architectures. Speed, power, and hardware cost efficiencies are compared. Additionally, performance bottlenecks are identified for each architecture in order to determine the prospects for continued scalability of the algorithm on next generation HPC architectures. Keywords: Method of Characteristics; Neutron transport; Reactor simulation; High performance computing
Date issued
2016-01Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Nuclear Science and EngineeringJournal
Computer Physics Communications
Publisher
Elsevier
Citation
Tramm, John R. et al. “A Task-Based Parallelism and Vectorized Approach to 3D Method of Characteristics (MOC) Reactor Simulation for High Performance Computing Architectures.” Computer Physics Communications 202 (May 2016): 141–150 © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
Version: Author's final manuscript
ISSN
0010-4655