A task-based parallelism and vectorized approach to 3D Method of Characteristics (MOC) reactor simulation for high performance computing architectures
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 dynamicall...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | Article |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2018
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/114870 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5397-4402 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2413-5052 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2497-4312 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1459-7672 |
| Summary: | 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 |
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